A weakness in this position
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to politely point out a logical error without attacking the person behind the idea.
في 15 ثانية
- Identifies a logical flaw in a polite, objective way.
- Treats an argument like a physical structure or military position.
- Perfect for professional meetings, debates, or academic writing.
المعنى
This phrase points out a specific logical flaw or a vulnerable spot in someone's argument. It is a polite way to say their reasoning isn't as strong as they think it is.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6In a boardroom meeting
I think there is a weakness in this position regarding our Q4 projections.
I think there is a weakness in this position regarding our Q4 projections.
Discussing a movie plot with friends
The main weakness in this position is that the hero could have just used his phone.
The main weakness in this position is that the hero could have just used his phone.
Writing a university essay
The author fails to account for inflation, which reveals a weakness in this position.
The author fails to account for inflation, which reveals a weakness in this position.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase draws heavily from the 'Argument as War' metaphor common in English-speaking cultures. It treats a debate like a physical battlefield where one must defend their 'ground' or 'position'. It became highly popularized in 20th-century academic discourse and corporate 'boardroom speak'.
The 'Sandwich' Method
In English culture, we often 'sandwich' a critique. Say something nice, then say `a weakness in this position`, then end with another positive note.
Don't get personal
Always say `a weakness in THIS position`, not `YOUR weakness`. Focusing on the idea keeps people from getting defensive.
في 15 ثانية
- Identifies a logical flaw in a polite, objective way.
- Treats an argument like a physical structure or military position.
- Perfect for professional meetings, debates, or academic writing.
What It Means
Think of an argument like a physical structure, like a bridge. If the bridge has a crack, it might fall down. A weakness in this position identifies that crack. It means you have found a part of someone's logic that doesn't quite hold up. You aren't saying the whole idea is garbage. You are just pointing out one specific spot that needs more work. It is a surgical strike on an idea, not a sledgehammer.
How To Use It
You usually start with this phrase to introduce a critique. It sounds very intellectual and measured. You can say, "I see a weakness in this position regarding the budget." It helps you sound objective rather than aggressive. It is like wearing a suit for your brain. You are focusing on the 'position' (the idea) rather than the person. This keeps things from getting too personal or heated.
When To Use It
Use this when you are in a debate or a serious meeting. It is perfect for academic writing or high-level business discussions. If a friend suggests a road trip but forgets to check if the car works, you've found the weakness! It works best when you want to be taken seriously. It shows you are listening closely and thinking critically. Use it when you want to sound like a chess grandmaster planning your next move.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this during a romantic argument unless you want to sleep on the couch. Telling your partner "I see a weakness in this position regarding the dishes" is a recipe for disaster. Avoid it in very casual settings like a loud bar. It can sound a bit arrogant or 'too smart for the room.' If someone is crying or very emotional, skip the logic. They need a hug, not a critique of their logical framework.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of formal rhetoric and military strategy. In chess or war, a 'position' is where your pieces or troops are. If one spot is undefended, it is a weakness. Western culture, especially in law and academia, loves this 'argument as a battle' metaphor. It reflects a value on logical consistency and 'poking holes' in theories to find the truth. It is very British and American in its direct but polite style.
Common Variations
You might hear people say a flaw in this logic or a gap in this argument. Sometimes people say a chink in the armor for something more poetic. If you want to be softer, try a potential issue with this approach. If you want to be more intense, use a fatal flaw. All of these follow the same idea: finding the one loose thread that could unravel the whole sweater.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a C2-level academic and professional expression. It requires a formal register and is best used when you want to appear objective, analytical, and detached from emotional bias.
The 'Sandwich' Method
In English culture, we often 'sandwich' a critique. Say something nice, then say `a weakness in this position`, then end with another positive note.
Don't get personal
Always say `a weakness in THIS position`, not `YOUR weakness`. Focusing on the idea keeps people from getting defensive.
Understatement is Key
English speakers often use 'a' weakness even if they think the whole idea is a total disaster. It is a form of polite understatement.
أمثلة
6I think there is a weakness in this position regarding our Q4 projections.
I think there is a weakness in this position regarding our Q4 projections.
Used to professionally challenge a financial forecast.
The main weakness in this position is that the hero could have just used his phone.
The main weakness in this position is that the hero could have just used his phone.
Applying formal logic to a casual movie critique for humorous effect.
The author fails to account for inflation, which reveals a weakness in this position.
The author fails to account for inflation, which reveals a weakness in this position.
Standard academic usage to critique a source.
Cool plan, but the weakness in this position is that I have $0 in my bank account.
Cool plan, but the weakness in this position is that I have $0 in my bank account.
Using formal language to be funny about a personal situation.
While the proposal is ambitious, there is a clear weakness in this position concerning local funding.
While the proposal is ambitious, there is a clear weakness in this position concerning local funding.
A respectful way to disagree in a high-stakes discussion.
The weakness in your position is that you haven't finished your homework yet.
The weakness in your position is that you haven't finished your homework yet.
Used to maintain authority while staying calm.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a professional context.
I've reviewed the proposal, and I believe there is a ___ in this position.
`Weakness` is the standard term used in this specific idiomatic expression for formal discussion.
Identify the most appropriate preposition to follow the phrase.
The weakness in this position ___ the new marketing strategy is the high cost.
`Regarding` or `concerning` are the most natural formal prepositions to connect the weakness to the topic.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Spectrum
That's a bad idea.
Your plan sucks.
I don't think that works.
There is a problem with that.
Professional critique of logic.
A weakness in this position...
Where to find 'A Weakness in this Position'
Legal Courtroom
The lawyer spots a flaw in the testimony.
University Seminar
A student critiques a philosophical theory.
Corporate Strategy
A manager questions a new business model.
Chess Commentary
An expert explains why a move was risky.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot necessarily. It usually means one specific part of the logic is flawed, but the rest might be okay. It is a targeted critique.
Yes, it is very professional. Using a weakness in this position is much safer than saying 'You are wrong.'
In this context, yes. A position is a formal opinion or a stance you take in an argument.
Usually regarding or concerning. For example, a weakness in this position regarding the timeline.
Both! It is standard formal English used across the globe in professional settings.
Add a 'softener' at the beginning. Try: I might be wrong, but I see a weakness in this position...
Yes, of and in are both used, but in is slightly more common when pointing out a specific detail.
It is common in 'thinking' environments like offices or schools, but rare at a grocery store or a party.
You can say There are several weaknesses in this position to show the argument is very poor.
Absolutely. It is a great way to provide feedback in a written, professional format.
عبارات ذات صلة
A flaw in the logic
A specific error in the reasoning process.
A chink in the armor
A minor but significant vulnerability in an otherwise strong defense.
Room for improvement
A polite way to say something isn't good enough yet.
To poke holes in
To find multiple problems or weaknesses in an argument.
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