a dubious claim

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dubious claim" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a statement or assertion that is questionable or lacking in credibility. Example: "The scientist made a dubious claim about the effectiveness of the new drug." Alternative expressions include "a questionable assertion" and "a suspect statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Again, this is a dubious claim.

The New York Times

It's a dubious claim that it is transforming youthful engagement.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is, to say the least, a dubious claim.

The Guardian - Books

In any case, the jury chosen by Le Chef has a dubious claim to objectivity.

Independent

But that's a dubious claim: the nation already was united, as it had proved in the November 1864 elections.

The New York Times

Pujols said he did not know anybody needed him, a dubious claim given his experience and his impact that night.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But he indisputably snared Andrew Luster, as he promised to do in January, on camera, making a legally dubious claim to a chunk of the million-dollar bail.

The New York Times - Style

It is, nonetheless, a historically dubious claim.

The New York Times

This, of course, is a highly dubious claim.

The New York Times

The Ukrainians are asking for €10,000 per car to let us through, citing a highly dubious claim about our Hungarian registration plates.

The Guardian - Travel

"Joy to the World" was one of two songs she did on the hour-long broadcast, for which "hundreds of thousands" of New Yorkers had lined the streets of midtown Manhattan, according to a rather dubious claim by NBC's Savannah Guthrie.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, this phrase helps maintain a distance between the writer and the source's potentially inaccurate information.

Common error

Avoid using "a dubious claim" when a statement has been factually proven to be false. In such cases, use direct terms like "falsehood", "inaccuracy" or "untruth". Using "dubious" implies there is still a possibility of truth, which might inadvertently give weight to a verified lie.

Linguistic Context

As noted in Ludwig, this noun phrase functions as a modifier to indicate uncertainty or skepticism regarding an assertion. It typically serves as a direct object or follows a linking verb to characterize a preceding statement. The adjective "dubious" qualifies the noun "claim", creating a unit that acts as a signal of journalistic or analytical detachment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a dubious claim" is a highly effective linguistic tool for expressing doubt while maintaining a professional and objective stance. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent usage in elite journalism, where it serves to flag questionable assertions without resorting to inflammatory language. It is most appropriate when there is a lack of evidence or a conflict with known facts that makes a statement unlikely to be true. While it is interchangeable with phrases like "a questionable assertion", it remains a preferred choice for its punchy yet sophisticated tone. Writers should use it to guide readers toward a more critical evaluation of the information presented, especially in contexts where objectivity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a questionable assertion

Higher formality, often used in academic or legal contexts

a dubious allegation

Used specifically for accusations of wrongdoing

a doubtful contention

Focuses on the argumentative nature of the statement

a suspect statement

Implies potential intent to deceive or lack of reliability

a shaky argument

Suggests the logic behind the claim is weak or unstable

a disputed premise

Used when the foundational fact is being challenged

a flimsy pretext

Specifically refers to a claim used as a weak excuse

an unlikely story

More idiomatic and often carries a tone of disbelief

a sketchy proposition

Informal and implies the claim is untrustworthy or vague

a tenuous point

Emphasizes the weakness or lack of evidence for the claim

FAQs

How to use "a dubious claim" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a statement you find hard to believe, such as: "The company made "a dubious claim" about the environmental benefits of their new product."

What can I say instead of "a dubious claim"?

You can use alternatives like "a questionable assertion", "a suspect statement", or "a doubtful contention" depending on the level of formality required.

What is the difference between "a dubious claim" and "a false claim"?

While "a false claim" is definitively incorrect, "a dubious claim" suggests that the truth is unknown or unlikely, but not yet fully disproven.

Is "a dubious claim" considered formal English?

Yes, it is a neutral to formal phrase frequently found in publications like "The New York Times" and "The Economist".