Questionable conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Questionable conduct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior that raises doubts about its appropriateness or legality. Example: "The investigation revealed several instances of questionable conduct among the staff that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The final weeks of any campaign is a time for questions regarding candidate's conduct -- and, in the case of Paul LePage, questionable conduct.

Huffington Post

Mentions a critical note Niccolo Erizzo, the Venetian Ambassador to Paris, sent Andrea regarding Giustiniana's questionable conduct.

The New Yorker

Those returns, and market rumors about questionable conduct inside the fund, drew the attention of federal authorities.

The New York Times

She voted against punitive damages and later submitted two sworn statements describing questionable conduct in the deliberations.

The New York Times

Several parishioners said they were flabbergasted, having seen no hint of questionable conduct in the time they knew Mr. Tate.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton is responsible for the initiation and continuance of Mr. Starr's investigation because of his questionable conduct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ohio State has faced previous instances of questionable academic conduct.

The New York Times - Sports

Reports of questionable ethical conduct have cast doubt over his motives.

The New York Times

Phil Williams and Bryan Staples of WTVF in Nashville won the television reporting Polk for a series on questionable ethical conduct by Don Sundquist, then governor.

The New York Times

Mr. Friedman's resignation comes at a time when corporate boards are taking a harder line when questionable personal conduct by top executives has been brought to their attention.

The New York Times

The Attorney General's traditional watch-dog function and his power to challenge questionable official conduct are important and necessary tools to assure the continued integrity of our system of government.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable conduct", be specific about the nature of the conduct and the reasons why it is considered questionable. Provide context and evidence to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable conduct" as a general term without providing specific details. Instead of saying "The CEO engaged in questionable conduct", specify what actions the CEO took that are considered questionable (e.g., "The CEO used company funds for personal expenses").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable conduct" functions as a noun phrase, where "questionable" modifies the noun "conduct". It describes behavior that is of doubtful propriety, ethics, or legality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing actions that may not be entirely above board. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable conduct" is a widely used term to describe actions or behaviors that raise doubts or concerns about their appropriateness, ethics, or legality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Appearing frequently in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts, "questionable conduct" serves to express concern or suspicion and often warrants further investigation. Related phrases include "dubious behavior" and "suspicious actions". When employing this term, it's important to be specific about the nature of the conduct and provide context to avoid vagueness. Overall, "questionable conduct" is a valuable tool for highlighting potential wrongdoing and prompting discussions about accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dubious behavior

Emphasizes the doubtful or uncertain nature of the behavior.

Suspicious actions

Highlights the element of suspicion or mistrust associated with the actions.

Improper behavior

Focuses on the inappropriateness or unsuitability of the behavior in a specific context.

Unethical actions

Specifically addresses the moral or ethical concerns raised by the actions.

Inappropriate conduct

Similar to improper behavior, but can apply to a broader range of situations.

Irregular practices

Highlights deviations from established norms or procedures.

Controversial actions

Focuses on the divisive or debatable nature of the actions.

Disreputable behavior

Indicates that the behavior damages the reputation or standing of an individual or organization.

Dodgy dealings

Informal phrase suggesting dishonesty or trickery in business or other transactions.

Fishy activities

Informal phrase indicating that the activities seem suspicious or untrustworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "Questionable conduct" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable conduct" to describe behavior that raises doubts about its appropriateness or legality. For example: "The investigation revealed several instances of "questionable conduct" among the staff that needed to be addressed."

What can I say instead of "Questionable conduct"?

You can use alternatives like "dubious behavior", "suspicious actions", or "improper behavior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Questionable conduct" or "Questionable behavior"?

"Questionable conduct" and "questionable behavior" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "conduct" often implies a more formal or professional setting.

What's the difference between "Questionable conduct" and "Unethical actions"?

"Questionable conduct" is a broader term that can refer to any behavior that raises doubts, while "unethical actions" specifically implies a violation of moral principles or professional standards.