I was dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "When I heard the proposal, I was dubious about its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I was dubious.

The New Yorker

I admit I was dubious.

The New York Times - Food

I was dubious from the start, and rightly so.

The New York Times

I was dubious it would make good ice cream.

The New York Times

I was dubious that it could be done.

The New York Times

I was dubious before I arrived, and I still am.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Gail: I'm dubious.

The New York Times

I am dubious.

The New York Times

That, I'm dubious about.

The Guardian - Film

Personally, I'm dubious about the success of this strategy.

The New York Times - Health

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was dubious" to express polite skepticism or uncertainty, especially when directly addressing someone's idea or suggestion. It softens the disagreement compared to stronger terms like "I disagreed" or "I thought it was wrong".

Common error

While "I was dubious" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can be perceived as less precise. Consider replacing it with more specific terms like "I questioned the methodology", "I doubted the validity", or "I found the evidence unconvincing" to convey your skepticism with greater clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was dubious" primarily functions as a statement expressing a past feeling of doubt or skepticism. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to convey a lack of conviction or certainty regarding a particular situation, idea, or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was dubious" effectively conveys a past feeling of skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is best used in situations where a polite expression of doubt is needed. For more formal settings, alternatives like "I remained unconvinced" may be more appropriate. As Ludwig demonstrates, it serves to express disagreement or highlight potential flaws without being overly confrontational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had my doubts

Focuses on possessing doubts rather than a general feeling of dubiousness.

I felt skeptical

Emphasizes the feeling of skepticism, highlighting a more active sense of disbelief.

I wasn't convinced

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief.

I remained unconvinced

Highlights the persistence of the lack of belief.

I viewed it with skepticism

Expresses a critical perspective from the beginning.

I questioned it

Indicates an active questioning or examination of something.

I took a dim view of it

Conveys a negative opinion or pessimistic outlook.

I regarded it with suspicion

Suggests a distrustful or wary assessment.

I looked on it askance

Implies a sideways glance of disapproval or doubt.

I harbored reservations

Focuses on holding back full acceptance due to underlying concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was dubious" to express uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "When they proposed the plan, "I was dubious" about its chances of success."

What's a more formal alternative to "I was dubious"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "I remained unconvinced", "I had reservations", or "I questioned the validity of the findings" as alternatives to "I was dubious".

Is it correct to say "I am dubious" instead of "I was dubious"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "I am dubious" expresses present uncertainty, while ""I was dubious"" expresses past uncertainty.

What's the difference between "I was dubious" and "I was suspicious"?

""I was dubious"" suggests uncertainty or skepticism, while "I was suspicious" implies a stronger sense of distrust or belief that something is wrong or dishonest. Suspicion often involves a feeling of unease or concern about someone's motives.