unsound method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsound method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method that is flawed, unreliable, or not based on sound reasoning or principles. Example: "The researchers abandoned the unsound method after realizing it led to inaccurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At root is his unsound method of bible interpretation through which he allegorizes wherever he wants to fit his "box", and… his sheer arrogance.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While human reasoning as well as reasoning in practical AI systems often needs to resort to unsound methods (abduction, default reasoning, Bayesian inference, analogy, etc)., logical semantics nevertheless provides an essential perspective from which to classify and study the properties of such methods.

SEP

At this point, evidence in an email from Verstraeten, the lead investigator, written to a colleague outside of the CDC (obtained by the authors via the US Freedom of Information Act of 1950 as amended), suggests that Verstraeten could have been receiving pressure within the CDC to apply unsound statistical methods to deny a causal relationship between Thimerosal and autism.

BioMed Research International

Colonel Kurtz: Are my methods unsound?

Huffington Post

No other bank gets such a large subsidy, according to Bloomberg's study (although, to be fair, some find Bloomberg's methods unsound, to quote from Jamie Dimon's favorite movie).

HuffPost

There would also be no need for the environmentally unsound and politically unpopular method of "fracking" for shale gas.

The Guardian

(He did say that Verizon no longer wanted to do the I.P.s' billing and collecting, or to have its good name sullied by the few whose methods were unsound).

The New Yorker

"THEY told me," Martin Sheen's Willard says to Marlon Brando's Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now," at the end of a long journey up the river, "that you had gone totally insane, and that your methods were unsound".

The New York Times

Captain Willard: They told me, that you had gone totally insane and uh, that your methods were unsound.

Huffington Post

Controlling wolves by killing them or by the use of non-lethal sterilisation techniques is biologically unsound as a long-term method for reducing wolf populations and protecting hoofed animals (ungulates) from predation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, more than 40 experts in breast health care have severely criticized these methods as 'scientifically unsound' [ 8].

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide specific reasons why a method is "unsound", rather than simply stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "unsound method" as a general insult. Provide specific reasons why a method is unsound to make your critique more convincing and helpful. For example, instead of saying "His method was unsound", say "His method was unsound because it relied on biased data and ignored key variables."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsound method" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically describes a process, technique, or approach that is considered flawed, unreliable, or not based on sound principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsound method" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a flawed or unreliable technique. While relatively rare, it appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Ludwig AI highlights its usefulness in expressing criticism regarding the validity of a method. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific reasons for your assessment to strengthen your critique. Alternatives include "flawed methodology" and "faulty technique". This guide provides insights into its proper usage and related concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed methodology

Emphasizes the presence of errors or defects in the methodology.

faulty technique

Focuses on the inadequacy or incorrectness of the technique used.

invalid approach

Highlights that the approach is not logically or legally sound.

questionable practice

Suggests that the practice is doubtful or suspicious in its validity.

dubious procedure

Implies uncertainty or doubt about the effectiveness or appropriateness of the procedure.

deficient system

Stresses the incompleteness or inadequacy of the system.

unreliable strategy

Highlights the lack of dependability or trustworthiness of the strategy.

inadequate process

Focuses on the process being insufficient or not good enough.

weak tactic

Highlights the lack of strength or effectiveness of the tactic.

tenuous scheme

Suggests that the scheme is fragile and unlikely to succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "unsound method" in a sentence?

You can use "unsound method" to describe a technique or process that is flawed or unreliable. For example: "The research was criticized for using an "unsound method" that produced inconsistent results."

What are some alternatives to "unsound method"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed methodology", "faulty technique", or "invalid approach" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unsound method" or "flawed method"?

Both "unsound method" and "flawed method" are acceptable, but "unsound" emphasizes a lack of logical or factual basis, while "flawed" simply indicates an imperfection or defect.

What makes a method considered "unsound"?

A method is considered "unsound" when it is based on faulty reasoning, unreliable data, or leads to inconsistent or incorrect results. Using an "unsound method" can undermine the validity of any findings or conclusions.