tenuous support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or fragile form of backing or assistance for an argument, idea, or situation. Example: "The research provided only tenuous support for the hypothesis, leading to further questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some of Mr. Karzai's advisers are aware of the tenuous support at the White House for the war effort.

The New York Times

Some of this legislation's tenuous support has depended on its embrace of energy policies that many Republicans, but few environmentalists, favour: offshore drilling and nuclear power.

The Economist

Instead, numbers have been marshalled in tenuous support of the economic agenda to dig things out of the ground as fast as possible.

The Guardian

There is also fear that a trade bill, which has tenuous support in both chambers and which Mr. Obama greatly desires, would sail through Congress.

The New York Times

The party is winning tenuous support from former Lib Dems and Greens because of Corbyn, while simultaneously losing support from voters who best reflect public opinion.

The Guardian

At home, he has trouble in Congress, where the already tenuous support for trade initiatives has been weakened further by the slowing economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Start at the edge of most cities, then drive through neighborhoods toward downtown, surveying tenuous supports and busted street lights.

The New York Times

Some federal district courts have granted nothing, stating that the link between Amy's harm and the act of possession is too tenuous to support a restitution order.

The New York Times

He believes that deep spending cuts would reverse this effect and thus generate private spending and growth.For this there is only tenuous empirical support when interest rates are close to zero.

The Economist

Tenuous German support for deployment here is tied to maintaining the caveats with which the mission began: the army is here to help with security, reconstruction and good governance from a northern base.

The New York Times

The reference to Mr. Hussein appeared to refer to some of the tough policies adopted by Dr. Allawi in an effort to quell the insurgency and broaden his government's tenuous popular support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous support", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported and why the support is weak or uncertain. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "tenuous support". Accurately represent it as limited or fragile, as misrepresenting it can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous support" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies the noun "support". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates a weak, fragile, or uncertain form of backing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenuous support" is a phrase used to describe weak or uncertain backing for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being supported and why the support is weak, avoiding any overstatement of the support's strength. Related phrases include "fragile backing" and "weak endorsement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile backing

Emphasizes the delicate and easily broken nature of the support.

weak endorsement

Focuses on the lack of strength in the approval or recommendation.

shaky foundation

Highlights the instability and unreliability of the support.

uncertain backing

Stresses the doubt and lack of confidence in the support.

limited assistance

Indicates that the help or aid provided is restricted or minimal.

precarious foothold

Implies a vulnerable and insecure position of support.

flimsy justification

Suggests a weak and unconvincing reason for support.

inadequate reinforcement

Highlights the insufficient strengthening or bolstering of the support.

dubious affirmation

Implies that the confirmation or validation is questionable.

unsubstantial corroboration

Focuses on the lack of solid evidence to back up the support.

FAQs

How can I use "tenuous support" in a sentence?

You can use "tenuous support" to describe a situation where the backing for something is weak or uncertain. For example, "The hypothesis has only "tenuous support" from the data".

What's a good alternative to "tenuous support"?

Alternatives include phrases like "weak support", "fragile backing", or "uncertain backing" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "tenuous support" formal or informal language?

"Tenuous support" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more frequently found in academic, news, and professional writing.

What does it mean when someone says there is "tenuous support" for an idea?

It means there is limited or uncertain evidence or backing for the idea, implying that it is not strongly supported and may be questionable.