called into question

USAGE SUMMARY

"called into question" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something is being questioned or challenged. For example, "Her credibility was called into question after the scandal was revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bosh's assertiveness was called into question again.

The New York Times - Sports

This belief is increasingly called into question.

The Guardian - Business

Liverpool also called into question Evra's character.

The Guardian - Sport

Issues of access and efficiency have been called into question.

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

Yet this assumption is now being called into question.

Harvard University

They called into question my assumptions about myself.

Princeton University

The shootings called into question the neighborhood's identity.

The New York Times

Chile's census and inflation figures have been called into question.

The Economist

Merkel's judgement was called into question on both counts.

Independent

The parade's finances have also been called into question.

The New York Times

That reputation is now being called into question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, specify who or what "called into question" the subject. Instead of 'The results were called into question', try 'Independent researchers called the results into question'.

Common error

Avoid using "called into question" when you simply mean something was examined or investigated without any implication of doubt. Stick to verbs like 'examined' or 'reviewed' in those instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called into question" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It indicates that someone or something is casting doubt on the validity, accuracy, or reliability of a statement, claim, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "called into question" is a versatile and widely used expression to indicate that something is being doubted or challenged. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. Ludwig AI underlines the pervasiveness of the phrase across diverse domains. While synonyms like "questioned" or "disputed" exist, "called into question" carries a slightly stronger connotation of skepticism. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately reflecting doubt or challenge, not merely investigation. "Called into question" is a reliable tool in your writing arsenal for expressing uncertainty or prompting deeper examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioned

A more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing doubt.

doubted

Indicates uncertainty about the truth or reliability.

raised doubts about

Emphasizes the act of introducing uncertainty or questioning.

brought into doubt

A slightly more formal and less common variation.

cast doubt on

Emphasizes the act of creating uncertainty.

challenged

Suggests a formal questioning of validity or accuracy.

threw suspicion on

Highlights the introduction of mistrust or doubt.

expressed skepticism about

Highlights a cautious and questioning attitude.

disputed

Implies a more direct contradiction or debate.

taken issue with

Indicates disagreement and a willingness to argue against something.

FAQs

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

You can use "called into question" to indicate that something's validity or reliability is being doubted. For example, "The witness's testimony was "called into question" due to inconsistencies."

What phrases are similar to "called into question"?

Similar phrases include "challenged", "doubted", or "disputed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "called into question" or "questioned"?

"Called into question" is an idiomatic expression that implies a degree of doubt or skepticism, whereas "questioned" is more neutral and simply means to ask about something. The best choice depends on whether you want to convey doubt or just inquiry.

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

The phrases "called into question" and "brought into question" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning: to express doubt or challenge something. However, "called into question" is more frequently used.