It is questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about the validity or reliability of something. Example: "The results of the study are inconclusive, and it is questionable whether the findings can be applied to a larger population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is questionable whether that is the case with Americans.

Independent

It is questionable whether Sprewell wanted to attend camp.

The New York Times - Sports

It is questionable whether there will be any security improvements.

The Guardian

It is questionable whether a legal assault would succeed.

Forbes

(It is questionable whether the shorthand is really apt.

SEP

It is questionable, however, whether survey techniques can be better designed to encourage values clarification.

Journal of Economic Psychology

It is questionable whether the Western countries will support him.

Huffington Post

It is questionable whether any of them will survive.

Huffington Post

It is questionable, however, whether this strategy is curative.

Breast Cancer Research

It is questionable whether these effects are clinically meaningful.

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

It is questionable to call it IR because of missing hyperinsulinemia and missing inflammation.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "It is questionable", clearly state what aspect is being questioned to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "It is questionable", specify "It is questionable whether this approach will yield the desired results."

Common error

Avoid using "It is questionable" simply as a weak qualifier in situations where a stronger, more direct statement would be more effective. For instance, instead of saying "It is questionable whether this is the best solution", if you believe it isn't, state: "This is not the best solution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is questionable" functions as an evaluative expression, used to introduce doubt or uncertainty regarding a particular claim, situation, or outcome. It serves to temper assertions and invite further scrutiny, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It is questionable" is a versatile expression used to convey doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While "It is questionable" is very common, remember to clearly articulate what is being questioned to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "It is doubtful" or "It is debatable" to vary your writing. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability for expressing skepticism in a thoughtful manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is doubtful

Replaces "questionable" with "doubtful", directly expressing uncertainty.

It is debatable

Suggests the point is open to argument or discussion.

It is uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of certainty regarding the matter.

It is dubious

Highlights a sense of mistrust or suspicion.

It is suspect

Implies something is not as it appears, possibly flawed.

There is some doubt

Indirectly expresses uncertainty about something.

The matter is open to question

Indicates that the issue is not settled and can be challenged.

It raises questions

Focuses on the fact that uncertainties arise because of something.

It is not clear

Indicates lack of clarity or understanding.

The validity is in question

Specifically targets the validity or accuracy of something.

FAQs

How can I use "It is questionable" in a sentence?

Use "It is questionable" to express doubt or uncertainty about a statement or situation. For example, "It is questionable whether the new policy will be effective in the long run."

What are some alternatives to "It is questionable"?

You can use alternatives such as "It is doubtful", "It is debatable", or "It is uncertain" to express similar sentiments.

Is it better to use "It is questionable" or "It is questioned"?

"It is questionable" implies doubt or uncertainty, while "It is questioned" means something is actively being challenged or investigated. The choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "It is questionable" and "It is suspicious"?

"It is questionable" suggests uncertainty or doubt about validity or effectiveness, while "It is suspicious" implies a belief that something might be wrong, dishonest, or illegal.