the weak case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the weak case" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation or argument that is not backed up by facts or strong evidence. For example, "The prosecutor had a weak case against the defendant and failed to prove their claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Democrats, citing other possible evidence of political interference, say the weak case against Mr. Siegelman indicates that he was prosecuted for political reasons.

The New York Times

Klein isn't the first to be misled by the Columbine myths or the weak case that bullying drove Harris and Klebold.

The New York Times - Books

He then dismantled, brick by crumbling brick, the weak case made by supporters of Proposition 8 and laid out the facts presented in testimony.

The New York Times

So conditional on accepting the weak case for CO2 emissions control, the Pigou people have a strong case against the cap-and-trade brigade.

The Economist

The weak case for a company tax cut (the Age) Serious economic modelling underpins Turnbull's campaign – but his plan to cut company tax might not have been completely thought through, writes Peter Martin.

The Guardian

Rather than drop the weak case and his chance at national fame, the prosecutor James Comey handed off the insider-trading charge to the S.E.C., which seeks civil damages, not criminal penalties, and must meet a much lower standard of proof.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Other housing indexes mirror the weak Case-Shiller numbers.

The New York Times

There has been no increase in the success rate of claims that did make it to court, suggesting the fees were not filtering out the weak cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of these inmates, Mr. Berry had perhaps the weakest case.

The New York Times

Perhaps he simply claimed that he was capable, in the appropriate circumstances, of devising arguments which would turn the weaker case into the stronger one.

SEP

It is hard to believe that he ventured to claim always to make the prima facie weaker case carry the day (which is equivalent to the claim to make every case whatever carry the day), but equally implausible that he merely claimed to make the weaker case stronger than it was before he devised arguments in its favor.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the weak case" when you want to emphasize that an argument, legal case, or justification lacks sufficient evidence or logical reasoning. It is particularly effective in contexts where you are critiquing or dismissing a claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the weakness of a case to the point of hyperbole. While it's important to highlight deficiencies, ensure your assessment remains objective and supported by factual evidence. Overstating the weakness can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the weak case" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'weak' is an adjective modifying the noun 'case'. It describes a particular instance or argument that is deficient in strength or validity, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the weak case" is a noun phrase used to describe an argument, legal matter, or situation that lacks sufficient evidence or logical reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, primarily appearing in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember to provide factual evidence to support your assessment of its weakness and avoid overstating the deficiencies. Alternatives such as "flimsy argument" or "tenuous defense" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flimsy argument

Focuses on the lack of substance in the argument.

a fragile argument

Highlights the delicate and easily broken nature of the argument.

a poorly supported argument

Emphasizes the inadequate support for the argument.

a questionable premise

Focuses on the doubtful or uncertain nature of the underlying premise.

an unsubstantiated claim

Highlights the absence of supporting evidence.

an indefensible stance

Implies that the stance cannot be defended or justified.

a tenuous defense

Implies the defense is fragile and easily challenged.

a shaky justification

Suggests the justification is unreliable and likely to fail.

a groundless accusation

Stresses the lack of any foundation for the accusation.

a vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to attack or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "the weak case" in a sentence?

You can use "the weak case" to describe an argument or situation that lacks strong evidence or support. For example, "The prosecution presented "the weak case" against the defendant, relying on circumstantial evidence rather than concrete proof."

What are some alternatives to saying "the weak case"?

Alternatives to "the weak case" include "flimsy argument", "tenuous defense", or "poorly supported argument", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the weak case" in formal writing?

Yes, "the weak case" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in legal, academic, or journalistic contexts where you need to objectively assess the strength of an argument or situation.

What makes a case "weak"?

A case is considered "weak" when it lacks sufficient evidence, relies on flawed logic, or is based on unreliable sources. In legal terms, "the weak case" might lack sufficient admissible evidence to prove the claims.