calling into question

USAGE SUMMARY

"calling into question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something is being analyzed and evaluated. For example: Her unethical behavior is calling into question her good moral character.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are calling into question the quality and honesty of the voting," Mr. Shkil said.

The New York Times

New theories are calling into question how personal her erotic poems actually are.

The New Yorker

"There were lots of radicals protesting, calling into question his loyalty to the community," Carter recalled.

The New Yorker

But the justices should uphold the Maryland court's ruling, thus calling into question those other rulings.

The New York Times

Quitting hurts one's reputation in uniquely wounding ways — calling into question toughness, loyalty and athletic honor.

The New York Times - Sports

A possible explanation of the observed phenomenon was given by calling into question the influence of the shear force, that may contribute to the sandwich local collapse.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Sotomayor said she was not calling into question the college's sincerity.

The Washington Post

Yesterday, new information surfaced calling into question the condition of the furnaces at P.S. 127.

The New York Times

Class resentments and sexual jealousies flare up, clouding judgment and calling into question bedrock beliefs.

The Washington Post

"The prime minister is calling into question the judgment of Sadiq Khan.

The Guardian

It's not just one man that is exonerated, you are calling into question hundreds of convictions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calling into question" when you want to suggest that something previously accepted as true or valid is now being doubted or scrutinized. It's effective for introducing a critical perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "calling into question" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "doubting" or "questioning" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling into question" functions as a verb phrase that introduces an element of doubt or scrutiny. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts where previously accepted ideas or facts are being re-evaluated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calling into question" is a versatile verb phrase used to express doubt, challenge validity, or initiate critical scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various formal and neutral registers, especially in News & Media and Science. While it's suitable for expressing skepticism and prompting re-evaluation, avoid overusing it in very casual contexts, opting for simpler alternatives like "doubting" or "questioning". Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its legitimacy and effectiveness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calling into doubt

Similar, but emphasizes the effect of the questioning on others' confidence.

casting doubt on

Emphasizes the act of creating uncertainty or suspicion about something.

raising doubts about

Focuses on the action of bringing concerns or uncertainties to light.

challenging the validity of

Directly contests the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

questioning the accuracy of

Specifically inquires about the correctness or precision of something.

expressing skepticism about

Conveys a general feeling of doubt or disbelief.

contesting the truth of

Disputes the veracity or factual basis of something.

undermining confidence in

Highlights the weakening of trust or assurance in something.

disputing the claim of

Formally disagrees with a specific assertion or statement.

expressing reservations regarding

Indicates hesitations or concerns about something, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "calling into question" to express doubt or challenge the validity of something. For example, "The new evidence is calling into question the original verdict".

What are some alternatives to "calling into question"?

Alternatives include "casting doubt on", "raising doubts about", or "challenging the validity of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "calling into question" the same as "calling into doubt"?

While similar, "calling into question" is a broader term that suggests scrutiny, while "calling into doubt" more directly implies uncertainty or disbelief. They are often interchangeable, but context matters.

When is it appropriate to use "calling into question" in writing?

"Calling into question" is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, and news articles where a critical analysis or skeptical perspective is being presented.