a questionable inference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a questionable inference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a conclusion or deduction that lacks sufficient evidence or is open to doubt. Example: "The study's findings led to a questionable inference about the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Spuriously classified ORFs originating from classified contigs meeting our length requirements would lead to a questionable inference of LGT.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some scholars have argued that Archytas devised machines of war (Diels 1965; Cambiano 1998), as Archimedes did later, but this conclusion is based on questionable inferences and no ancient source ascribes such machines to Archytas.

SEP

It is a questionable decision.

The Economist

The Colorados are a questionable lot.

The Economist

That is a questionable prospect.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a questionable assumption.

The New York Times

"It is a questionable cocktail".

The New York Times

It's a questionable appraisal.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a questionable call".

The New York Times - Sports

That is now looking a questionable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

His presence will boost a questionable defense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a questionable inference" when you want to express doubt about the validity or reliability of a conclusion drawn from certain facts or assumptions. It's useful in academic papers, analytical reports, or debates where you need to critically evaluate someone's reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "a questionable inference" when you have concrete evidence that the inference is definitively wrong. This phrase is best used when you suspect a flaw in reasoning but lack conclusive proof, so instead of saying "a questionable inference" use a more direct statement about the flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a questionable inference" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "inference". It highlights that the inference under discussion is not entirely reliable or valid. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

16%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a questionable inference" is a phrase used to express doubt regarding the validity of a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. It's most often found in science and news contexts, signaling a need for critical evaluation of an argument or conclusion. When using this phrase, ensure that you are signaling uncertainty rather than definitively disproving an inference. Alternatives such as "dubious inference" or "tenuous inference" may provide nuanced emphasis. Using "questionable inference" indicates that the inference warrants further examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dubious inference

Changes "questionable" to "dubious", implying a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion.

a suspect inference

Replaces "questionable" with "suspect", suggesting the inference is likely flawed or unreliable.

a shaky inference

Uses "shaky" instead of "questionable", highlighting the instability or weakness of the inference.

a tenuous inference

Substitutes "questionable" with "tenuous", indicating the inference is thin or weak.

a weak inference

Directly replaces "questionable" with "weak", emphasizing the lack of support for the inference.

an unsubstantiated inference

Replaces "questionable" with "unsubstantiated", stressing the lack of evidence to back the inference.

a poorly supported inference

Changes "questionable" to "poorly supported", indicating inadequate evidence.

a challengeable inference

Replaces "questionable" with "challengeable", focusing on the inference's vulnerability to being contested.

a contestable inference

Substitutes "questionable" with "contestable", implying the inference is open to dispute.

a debatable inference

Uses "debatable" instead of "questionable", suggesting the inference is subject to argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "a questionable inference" to express doubt about a conclusion drawn from certain facts. For example: "The study's findings led to "a questionable inference" about the drug's effectiveness."

What are some alternatives to "a questionable inference"?

Alternatives include "a dubious conclusion", "a suspect inference", or "a tenuous argument", depending on the context.

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

Both "questionable inference" and "dubious inference" are acceptable, but "dubious" often implies a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion than "questionable".

What makes an inference "questionable"?

An inference is "questionable" when it lacks sufficient evidence, relies on flawed assumptions, or is open to alternative interpretations. It suggests the conclusion might not be valid.