Questionably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Questionably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is doubtful or questionable in nature, often indicating uncertainty about the validity or appropriateness of a situation. Example: "The decision to proceed with the project was questionably made, given the lack of sufficient data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When all but the biggest hit records seem ephemeral, you might think that this questionable concept questionably presented would be a dim memory to all but Ms. Fleming's most passionate devotees.

The New York Times - Arts

As once disgraced journalist and 60 Minutes producer Mary Mapes, she's all shoulder-padded swagger masking burnt, jangling nerves; she commands emotional involvement even when the plot-fuelling scandal, about questionably unearthed documents throwing George W Bush's military record into question, is a decade past its boiling point.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, such dubious initiatives as forcing banks to slash interest rates and lavishing giant contracts on such ideologically orthodox but questionably competent institutions as the Revolutionary Guards have brought cries of foul from most economists.Like voters nearly everywhere, Iranians tend to put domestic issues ahead of foreign policy.

The Economist

No, even though I'm in Phoenix, which local people angry about illegal immigration (ie, almost all of them) have started (questionably)  to call the second-placed kidnap capital of the world.

The Economist

Election officials have told him, questionably, that his ten nominators must belong to his neighbourhood's election committee.

The Economist

Though questionably literate (he read a bit, but barely wrote), he was an avid spreader of learning.

The Economist

Former members of the Revolutionary Guard, now seeking the presidency, play down their military records, brandish questionably learned doctorates and appear in computer-enhanced photographs that hide their pates if they are bald and their turbans if they are clerics.

The Economist

His move was so blatantly tactical (and questionably democratic) that it prompted criticism from believers, including Mr Prodi and the leader of the National Alliance, Gianfranco Fini.

The Economist

Does the Oracle suit deal Mr Strine a winning hand?Will Leo roar PeopleSoft's customer-assurance programme certainly placed questionably tough restrictions on a hostile bidder's freedom of action.

The Economist

They should do that instead of charging questionably calculated fuel surcharges.

The Economist

Chief among these fashions is letting users upload anything they want to a video service which might include clips of themselves doing odd things ("user-generated content") or, more questionably, videos pirated from other sources.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questionably" to subtly express doubt or uncertainty about a claim or situation. It's more nuanced than a direct denial.

Common error

Avoid using "questionably" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing; opt for stronger, more precise terms to convey doubt or skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "questionably" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, expressing doubt or uncertainty regarding the action, quality, or manner being described. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionably" functions as an adverb used to express doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider the nuance you intend to convey and whether alternatives like "dubiously" or "arguably" might be more appropriate. Overusing "questionably" in very formal writing should be avoided. Always aim for precision in expressing skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a questionable manner

Rephrases "questionably" using a more descriptive and formal tone.

Dubiously

Emphasizes doubt or suspicion about the truth or quality of something.

Questionably so

Adds emphasis to the questionable nature of something.

Suspiciously

Implies a sense of mistrust or wariness.

Disputably

Indicates that something is subject to disagreement or debate.

Controversially

Highlights the presence of opposing views or public debate.

Arguably

Presents something as open to argument or interpretation.

Problematicly

Focuses on the issues or difficulties associated with something.

With some doubt

Expresses uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular matter.

Improbably

Suggests something is unlikely to happen or be true.

FAQs

How can I use "questionably" in a sentence?

Use "questionably" to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example, "The data was "questionably accurate", so we proceeded with caution."

What are some alternatives to "questionably"?

You can use alternatives like "dubiously", "arguably", or "suspiciously" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "questionably" in formal writing?

Yes, "questionably" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or stronger term might be more effective.

What's the difference between "questionably" and "dubiously"?

"Questionably" suggests something is open to doubt, while "dubiously" implies a stronger sense of suspicion or disbelief. The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.