be called into question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be called into question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being challenged or doubted, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The validity of the research findings may be called into question due to the lack of sufficient data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The level of this advice can be called into question.

The Guardian

That could be called into question in any renegotiation.

The Guardian

"It worries that if competing versions are allowed, then its legitimacy will be called into question".

The New York Times

"Other nations — the U.K. and United States included — will be called into question," Mr. Battipaglia said.

The New York Times

If the companies defaulted, the creditworthiness of the entire government would be called into question.

The New Yorker

Moreover, NATO's resolve would be called into question, as would America's.

The New York Times

If he doesn't go to Bahrain, his entire business strategy could be called into question.

The Economist

"Our resolve would be called into question, our cohesion weakened and the alliance undermined.

The Guardian

And if these economies slow, their ability to pay their government debts will increasingly be called into question.

The New York Times

They did not foresee there would be a day when banks' own creditworthiness would be called into question.

The New York Times

This is because the citizens of those places know that their British citizenship will never be called into question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be called into question" when you want to express a formal or serious doubt about something. It's particularly useful in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "be called into question" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "doubted" or "questioned" often sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be called into question" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that something's validity, accuracy, or legitimacy is being challenged or doubted. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be called into question" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something is being doubted or challenged. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in news, science, and formal business contexts underscores its suitability for serious and authoritative communication. While it's tempting to use this phrase, remember that simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. When used thoughtfully, this phrase effectively conveys doubt and invites further examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be called into doubt

Similar in structure, but puts slightly more emphasis on the act of doubting.

Be challenged

Directly indicates a confrontation or questioning of something.

Be disputed

Emphasizes disagreement or contention surrounding a topic.

Be doubted

Highlights a lack of certainty or belief in something.

Be subject to scrutiny

Suggests a detailed and critical examination is being applied.

Have its validity questioned

Specifically targets the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

Be under suspicion

Implies a degree of mistrust or wariness.

Be open to debate

Indicates the topic is not settled and invites discussion.

Be viewed with skepticism

Focuses on the attitude of disbelief or doubt.

Be regarded as questionable

Highlights the dubiousness or uncertainty associated with the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "be called into question" in a sentence?

You can use "be called into question" to express doubt or challenge the validity of something. For example: "The accuracy of the data may be called into question".

What can I say instead of "be called into question"?

You can use alternatives like "be challenged", "be disputed", or "be doubted" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be called into question"?

It is appropriate in formal and professional contexts where you want to express doubt about something in a serious or authoritative manner.

What's the difference between "be called into question" and "be questioned"?

"Be called into question" often suggests a more formal or serious challenge than simply "be questioned". The former implies that the validity or credibility is under scrutiny.