I am dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is suspicious or uncertain. For example, "I am dubious about the reliability of the new product on the market".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I am dubious.

The New York Times

The results help explain why I am dubious about apparating.

The New Yorker

I am dubious about the idea of revisionism.

The Guardian - Film

"I am dubious that you can call that a fraud".

The New York Times

I am dubious, without much authority or statistical insight to make me so.

The New Yorker

I am dubious that all the allies will reach 2percentt of GDP allocated to defense.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Gail: I'm dubious.

The New York Times

I was dubious.

The New Yorker

I admit I was dubious.

The New York Times - Food

That, I'm dubious about.

The Guardian - Film

I was dubious that it could be done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am dubious" to express polite skepticism or uncertainty, particularly when you don't want to sound overly negative or confrontational.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I am dubious" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation; consider using more relaxed alternatives like "I doubt it" or "I'm not sure" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am dubious" functions as a statement expressing a speaker's uncertainty or skepticism. As confirmed by Ludwig, it conveys a sense of doubt regarding a particular claim or situation. The phrase serves to qualify or challenge information presented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am dubious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express doubt or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing polite uncertainty in various contexts. While most frequent in News & Media, it also appears in academic writing. To ensure proper usage, remember that this is a formal way to express a degree of uncertainty and it should not be used in informal conversations where the tone may seem too stiff. For alternative ways to say it, consider "I'm skeptical" or "I have my doubts".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm doubtful

This uses a synonym for dubious, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

I'm skeptical

This alternative uses a different adjective to express doubt, focusing on a questioning attitude.

I have my doubts

This phrase uses a noun to convey uncertainty, suggesting a reservation or lack of conviction.

I remain unconvinced

Similar to "I'm not convinced", but implies a continued state of disbelief despite presented evidence.

I'm not convinced

This alternative directly states a lack of belief or persuasion.

I find that hard to believe

This phrase expresses disbelief in a more direct and forceful manner.

I question that

This directly challenges the validity or truth of something.

I'm not so sure about that

This expresses uncertainty or disagreement in a milder, more conversational tone.

I'm wary

Expresses caution and mistrust, suggesting a potential risk or danger.

I'm apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or fear about something that might happen, implying a lack of confidence in the outcome.

FAQs

What does "I am dubious" mean?

The phrase "I am dubious" expresses doubt or skepticism about something. It suggests that you are not entirely convinced or certain about a claim, idea, or situation.

How can I use "I am dubious" in a sentence?

You can use "I am dubious" when you want to express your uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "I am dubious about the company's ability to meet its projected earnings" or "I am dubious of his claims about having seen a UFO".

What can I say instead of "I am dubious"?

You can use alternatives like "I am skeptical", "I have my doubts", or "I'm not convinced" depending on the context.

Is "I am dubious" formal or informal?

"I am dubious" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, phrases like "I doubt it" or "I'm not sure" might be more appropriate.