validity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "validity of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the soundness or accuracy of an argument, the enforceability of a law or contract, the truth of a statement or other assessment of worth. For example, "We are currently examining the validity of this claim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Questioning the validity of a marriage does.

The New York Times

Assess the validity of your extrapolation.

The New York Times

He questioned the validity of the proceeding).

The New York Times

What are your thoughts on the validity of such studies?

The Guardian

EMachines was challenging the validity of the other seven patents.

The New York Times

(Although some have doubted the validity of these memoirs).

The New York Times

The validity of the export permits was in question.

The New York Times - Science

Police officials did not dispute the validity of that assessment.

The New York Times

No reasonable mathematician seriously doubts the validity of Goldbach's conjecture.

The New York Times - Science

The N.C.A.A. questioned the validity of the score.

The New York Times - Sports

Few could argue with the validity of their decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "validity of" research findings, clearly state the specific criteria or methods used to assess validity, such as statistical significance, sample size, or control groups.

Common error

Avoid using "validity of" when you actually mean reliability. Validity refers to whether a claim measures what it's supposed to, while reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement or result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "validity of" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a discussion or evaluation concerning the accuracy, soundness, or legitimacy of something. As supported by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "validity of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to question, evaluate, or affirm the correctness or justification of something, with a strong presence in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using "validity of", it is crucial to distinguish it from "reliability of" and to clearly specify the criteria for assessment. Consider related phrases like "accuracy of" or "soundness of" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accuracy of

Focuses on the correctness or precision of something, shifting the emphasis from overall validity to factual correctness.

soundness of

Emphasizes the robustness and reliability of a claim or argument, suggesting a strong foundation.

legitimacy of

Highlights whether something is lawful, reasonable, or acceptable, focusing on its compliance with standards or norms.

authenticity of

Concerns whether something is genuine or real, moving from validity as a general concept to whether it is what it claims to be.

veracity of

Specifically relates to the truthfulness or accuracy of a statement or claim.

reliability of

Focuses on the consistency and dependability of a process or result, rather than its overall validity.

justification for

Shifts the focus to the reasons or evidence supporting something, rather than its inherent validity.

credibility of

Addresses the believability and trustworthiness of a source or information, rather than its factual correctness.

tenability of

Concerns whether a position or argument can be defended or maintained, suggesting a focus on its defensibility.

reasonableness of

Examines whether something is logical or sensible, shifting from objective truth to subjective evaluation.

FAQs

How can I assess the "validity of" a scientific study?

To assess the "validity of" a study, examine its methodology, sample size, control groups, and statistical significance. Look for potential biases and consider whether the study's conclusions are supported by the evidence. Also, check for peer review and replication by other researchers.

What's the difference between the "validity of" and the "reliability of" a test?

The "validity of" a test refers to whether it measures what it is intended to measure. The "reliability of" a test refers to the consistency of its results over time or across different administrations. A test can be reliable without being valid, but a valid test is generally reliable.

In legal terms, what does the "validity of" a contract refer to?

In legal terms, the "validity of" a contract refers to whether it is legally binding and enforceable. This depends on factors such as offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and legality of purpose. A contract may be deemed invalid if it lacks any of these essential elements or if it is based on fraud, duress, or misrepresentation.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "validity of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "accuracy of", "soundness of", "legitimacy of", or "authenticity of depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey".