a questionable conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a questionable conclusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or reliability of a conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning. Example: "After reviewing the data, I found that the author's argument led to a questionable conclusion that lacked sufficient support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Doctor Fees Major Factor in Health Costs, Study Says" (news article, Sept. 8) cites a study that draws a questionable conclusion about health care spending in our nation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a questionable decision.

The Economist

The questionable conclusion goes against the results of the most recent studies carried out by experts in the field.

The New York Times - Science

However, if the reads are misaligned during the first step (e.g. reads spanning a mutation), incorrect mismatch locations will be propagated to the second step, which can bias the study results and lead to questionable conclusions, especially for a large study involving thousands of genomes (DePristo et al., 2011).

Bioinformatics

Thus, calibrating a clock at these nodes would lead to questionable conclusions.

Plosone

This can result in a non-closed carbon balance subsequently leading to questionable conclusions.

BMC Systems Biology

Mr. Griffiths's article on a score of Mahler's First Symphony discovered in Israel draws questionable conclusions, especially his assertion that the corrections were written by Mahler.

The New York Times - Arts

These days, "bad" parenting (not the orphanage-style bad but your garden-variety kind) is also linked via studies with questionable conclusions to stunted brain development.

The New York Times

Morris Busby, who became the American ambassador shortly after the report was written and said he did not remember it, cautioned that some of the reports collected by intelligence agencies came to questionable conclusions.

The New York Times

While they didn't provide definitive answers, the e-mails provided more than enough breadcrumbs to feed reporters, as well as conspiracy theorists who followed every stray reference, sometimes to questionable conclusions.

The New York Times

But some of these studies – pushing results too far – have come up with questionable conclusions.

Sociologie du Travail

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a questionable conclusion", ensure you provide context as to why the conclusion is questionable. Simply stating it's questionable lacks persuasive power; explain the flaws in reasoning or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing the conclusion as questionable. Hyperbole undermines credibility. Instead, focus on presenting a balanced critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a questionable conclusion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "conclusion". It serves to express uncertainty or doubt regarding the validity or reliability of a stated conclusion, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a questionable conclusion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt or uncertainty about a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and appropriateness. It appears commonly across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, it is important to provide context and avoid overstating your claim. Alternatives such as "dubious inference" or "unreliable result" can be used to express similar sentiments. The neutral register of the expression makes it suitable across diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dubious inference

Replaces 'conclusion' with 'inference' and 'questionable' with 'dubious', both suggesting doubt.

a shaky deduction

Substitutes 'conclusion' with 'deduction' and 'questionable' with 'shaky', emphasizing the instability of the reasoning.

a suspect judgment

Replaces 'conclusion' with 'judgment' and 'questionable' with 'suspect', highlighting a potential flaw.

a flimsy finding

Replaces 'conclusion' with 'finding' and 'questionable' with 'flimsy', underscoring a lack of solid support.

an unreliable result

Substitutes 'conclusion' with 'result' and 'questionable' with 'unreliable', stressing the potential for inaccuracy.

an uncertain outcome

Replaces 'conclusion' with 'outcome' and 'questionable' with 'uncertain', emphasizing doubt about the final result.

a contentious determination

Replaces 'questionable' with 'contentious' and 'conclusion' with 'determination', meaning a controversial decision.

a challengeable assertion

Replaces 'questionable' with 'challengeable' and 'conclusion' with 'assertion', highlighting a statement open to dispute.

a debatable point

Replaces 'questionable' with 'debatable' and 'conclusion' with 'point', suggesting an argument open to discussion and disagreement.

an unsubstantiated claim

Replaces 'conclusion' with 'claim' and 'questionable' with 'unsubstantiated', emphasizing the lack of evidence

FAQs

How can I use "a questionable conclusion" in a sentence?

You can use "a questionable conclusion" to express doubt or skepticism about a conclusion reached, for example: "The study's methodology was flawed, leading to "a questionable conclusion".".

What are some alternatives to saying "a questionable conclusion"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases such as "a dubious inference", "a shaky deduction", or "an unreliable result".

Is it better to say "questionable conclusion" or "dubious conclusion"?

Both "questionable conclusion" and "dubious conclusion" are acceptable. "Dubious" often implies a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion compared to "questionable".

What makes a conclusion "questionable"?

A conclusion might be "questionable" if it's based on insufficient evidence, flawed reasoning, biased data, or if it contradicts established knowledge.