a questionable item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a questionable item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or concept that raises doubts or concerns regarding its validity, quality, or appropriateness. Example: "The auction featured a questionable item that many bidders were hesitant to invest in due to its unclear provenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Bureau encouraged Steele to send any relevant information he came across, and that October he passed on a questionable item — a bit of amateur sleuthing that had been done by someone he'd never met, a former journalist and self-styled investigator named Cody Shearer.

The New Yorker

They were committed to missing not a single house and whenever collecting a questionable item was in doubt, they picked up whatever the citizens had left on the curb.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a recent (and questionable) item summoned our sanity quick, fast and in a hurry.

Huffington Post

If you find any questionable items in the contract, bring it back to the agency to discuss how your needs can be met.

Huffington Post

Take note of any questionable items such as unkempt exam rooms.

WikiHow

Otherwise, dining out in Bermuda can be trying-and expensive-with the hotel restaurants trying to please everyone with similar menus that pretend to offer a few questionable items of Bermudian cuisine, which, I'm sorry to report, is barely identifiable in any case.

Huffington Post

A few questionable items were discussed and resolved.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

One questionable item on the Bragman list is a secret vote for speaker, a proposal that is understandable, given Mr. Silver's retributions.

The New York Times

Luckily, the most questionable item out there, the Gilbert U-238 Atonly Energy Lavailablenly available for about a year.

TechCrunch

On the balance sheet, one questionable item is 78 “days in accounts payable.” In the good old days, Dell always paid in 58 days or pretty close to it.

Forbes

For the most questionable item, the relevant portion of the reading passage that this item is based on is as follows: We met on the first day of our third year of Junior High School when we were 14 and now we are both first year university students.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a questionable item", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for doubt or uncertainty. Providing specific details strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a questionable item" vaguely. Always provide context or reasoning to explain why the item is questionable, preventing ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a questionable item" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "item". It typically indicates that the item in question is subject to doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a questionable item" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt or uncertainty about an object's nature or validity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, while its frequency of usage is considered rare. The phrase commonly appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki articles, indicating its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the grounds for questioning the item. Consider using alternatives like "a dubious object" or "a suspicious object" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dubious object

Replaces "questionable" with "dubious", implying uncertainty or suspicion about the object's authenticity or quality.

a suspicious object

Substitutes "questionable" with "suspicious", suggesting that the object might be involved in something illicit or wrong.

a problematic element

Uses "problematic" instead of "questionable", highlighting that the item is causing or is likely to cause difficulties.

a suspect element

The word "suspect" shifts the meaning towards the item being possibly dangerous or untrustworthy.

a dodgy artifact

Replaces "questionable" with the informal term "dodgy", indicating that the item seems unreliable or of low quality.

an uncertain piece

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding the item, focusing on the lack of clear information or validation.

a contentious point

Shifts the focus to the item being a subject of disagreement or debate.

a challengeable assertion

Indicates that the item is an statement or claim that can be disputed or questioned.

a disputable claim

Emphasizes the item as a claim that is open to dispute or argument.

a suspect entry

Highlights the suspicion of an item being possibly incorrect or misleading, more used with data or lists.

FAQs

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

You can use "a questionable item" to describe something that raises doubts or concerns. For example, "The museum acquired "a questionable item" that might be a forgery".

What can I say instead of "a questionable item"?

Alternatives include "a dubious object", "a suspicious object", or "a problematic element" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "questionable item" and "dubious item" are acceptable, but "dubious" often implies a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion compared to "questionable".

What makes an item "questionable"?

An item becomes "questionable" when there are reasons to doubt its authenticity, quality, origin, or appropriateness for a particular purpose. This can arise from conflicting information or missing details.