this argument is flawed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this argument is flawed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when critiquing or analyzing a particular argument, indicating that there are weaknesses or errors in its reasoning. Example: "After reviewing the evidence presented, I must conclude that this argument is flawed and does not hold up under scrutiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some scientists say this argument is flawed.

The New York Times - Tech

He offers an account of what happens to Mary in purely physical terms, while allowing that "perhaps this argument is flawed because it builds in the assumption to be tested" (that Mary's experience is entirely physical).

The New York Times

Even with these numbers, this argument is flawed.

Huffington Post

As Powell notes, this argument is flawed: faith-based businesses have, in the past, received funds from religious organizations after claiming persecution.

Vice

Notwithstanding the Attorney General's belated discovery of DOMA's allegedly unconstitutional motivation, this argument is flawed because legislative motivation is not a basis for setting aside a federal statute supported by legitimate and rational government interests.

Huffington Post

This argument is flawed.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A. I think the argument is flawed.

The New York Times

Republican leaders argue that states would find greater efficiencies within Medicaid if federal spending per enrollee is capped, but that argument is flawed for a number of reasons.

University of California, Berkeley

But the argument is flawed if you assume house prices will continue to rise, as the minimum amount you are required to pay will also go up.

The Guardian - Money

Although the argument is flawed, it is somewhat reasonable to say that if the gun industry is causing huge financial costs to American cities, it must reimburse taxpayers for those costs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And, that argument is flawed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this argument is flawed", be prepared to clearly and concisely explain why the argument is flawed. Providing specific counter-evidence or logical fallacies strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "this argument is flawed" without providing any supporting evidence or reasoning. A mere assertion lacks persuasive power and can weaken your overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this argument is flawed" serves as a critical assessment, indicating that a particular line of reasoning contains errors or weaknesses. Ludwig examples show it being used to express disagreement with the logic or evidence presented.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this argument is flawed" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for critiquing a line of reasoning. According to Ludwig, it signifies that the argument has notable weaknesses or errors. While infrequent, its use spans across different fields like news, science and academia. When employing this phrase, providing clear reasons or evidence for the assessment is crucial to avoid a weak or unpersuasive statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the argument doesn't hold up

Focuses on the argument's inability to withstand scrutiny.

the argument is invalid

Emphasizes the logical incorrectness of the argument.

the reasoning is faulty

Highlights a defect in the logic used.

the premise is questionable

Suggests doubt about the foundation of the argument.

the conclusion is unsupported

Indicates a lack of evidence for the final claim.

that line of reasoning is weak

Implies a lack of strength or persuasiveness.

that argument is unconvincing

Focuses on the argument's failure to persuade.

the argument is untenable

Suggests the argument cannot be defended.

the basis for the argument is shaky

Focuses on the unreliable foundation of the argument.

the argument is groundless

Indicates the argument lacks a solid foundation or justification.

FAQs

What does "this argument is flawed" mean?

It means that the reasoning or evidence presented in the argument is incorrect, incomplete, or otherwise unconvincing. It suggests the argument's conclusion is not well-supported.

How to use "this argument is flawed" in a sentence?

You can use it to directly critique an argument. For example: "While the initial idea is interesting, "this argument is flawed" because it relies on outdated data."

What can I say instead of "this argument is flawed"?

You can use alternatives like "the argument doesn't hold up", "the reasoning is faulty", or "the premise is questionable" depending on the specific issue.

Is it better to say "this argument is flawed" or "this argument is wrong"?

"This argument is flawed" suggests a problem with the reasoning or structure of the argument, while "this argument is wrong" implies the conclusion itself is incorrect. "Flawed" allows for a more nuanced critique.