came into question

USAGE SUMMARY

"came into question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express when something has been subject to further investigation, scrutinized, or doubted. For example, "The results of the test came into question after the lab technician was accused of fraud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Last year, this advocacy came into question.

The New York Times

But the validity of those affidavits soon came into question.

The New York Times

In the second half of the 1960s these assumptions came into question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And then the case collapsing after her credibility came into question, with the charges being dismissed.

The New York Times

And his finances came into question, amid controversy over political donations and tuition money he accepted.

The New York Times

Abdool Karim's progressive policies came into question soon after Mbeki assumed office.

The New Yorker

Even as the coach's résumé came into question, the spotlight continued to shine on Witt.

The New York Times - Sports

New findings onmantle plumes were reported, while the very existence of mantle plumes came into question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those headlines faded after the credibility of Mr. Strauss-Kahn's accuser came into question.

The New York Times

The veracity of Kuykendall's affidavit came into question five years ago.

The New Yorker

By the summer, the very survival of the respected St . Louis SymphonyOrchestra came into question.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came into question" when you want to express that something previously accepted or believed is now being doubted or investigated. It's suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of uncertainty.

Common error

While "came into question" is passive, avoid excessive use of passive voice in your writing. Ensure clarity and impact by actively stating who is questioning or doubting something. For example, instead of "The results came into question", consider "Researchers questioned the results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came into question" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that something's validity, accuracy, or reliability has been doubted or challenged. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "came into question" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to indicate that something previously accepted or believed is now being doubted or investigated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various sources. It is versatile across different registers but is most frequently found in news and media. Alternatives like "was called into doubt" or "was subject to scrutiny" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice, and ensure clarity by actively stating who is questioning the subject. Overall, this phrase is a reliable way to express uncertainty or skepticism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was called into doubt

Focuses on the introduction of doubt regarding something previously accepted.

was subject to scrutiny

Highlights the thorough examination and potential criticism.

was thrown into doubt

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful introduction of doubt.

was under suspicion

Suggests a formal or informal investigation.

was open to debate

Indicates that the matter is arguable and not settled.

was challenged

Implies a direct confrontation or questioning of validity.

became doubtful

Highlights the emergence of uncertainty.

was disputed

Suggests a disagreement or controversy surrounding the topic.

raised concerns

Indicates that the topic caused apprehension or worry.

faced skepticism

Emphasizes a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

FAQs

What does "came into question" mean?

The phrase "came into question" means that something that was previously accepted or believed is now being doubted, challenged, or investigated. It suggests that the validity or reliability of something is now uncertain.

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

You can use "came into question" to indicate that something is now being doubted. For example, "The accuracy of the data "came into question" after the audit revealed inconsistencies".

What are some alternatives to "came into question"?

Some alternatives to "came into question" include "was called into doubt", "was subject to scrutiny", or "was challenged". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "came into question" or "was questioned"?

"Came into question" is more idiomatic and implies a broader sense of doubt or uncertainty arising. "Was questioned" is more direct and suggests a specific instance of someone asking questions about something. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.