can be questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is open to doubt or inquiry, suggesting that it is not definitive or beyond scrutiny. Example: "The validity of the research findings can be questioned due to the lack of sufficient data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore the reliability of this simplification can be questioned.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The methodology behind Benedict's figures can be questioned.

The New York Times - Sports

However, whether ANS acuity and its development have been described accurately can be questioned.

Acta Psychologica

Another idea in these little-known texts is that authority can be questioned.

Harvard University

Recent studies, however, show that the validity of such assumptions can be questioned.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

The assumption can be questioned.

SEP

Both of these claims can be questioned.

SEP

This assumption can be questioned, however.

SEP

Even now the logic can be questioned.

BBC

This intrinsic ambiguity of the quantization approach can be questioned.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

"I don't think the players attitude can be questioned today.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be questioned" when you want to express doubt or suggest that something isn't definitively true, but avoid overusing it; vary your language with alternatives like "is open to doubt".

Common error

While "can be questioned" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be questioned" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or permissibility of questioning something. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

17%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be questioned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction that expresses the possibility of doubt or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, especially in science, news, and academia. While it's important to acknowledge its validity, it's also useful to be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing alternative phrases like "is open to doubt" or "raises questions" for greater stylistic variety. Remember to be aware of the impact of passive voice and adjust your writing accordingly to maintain a clear and impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is open to doubt

This alternative directly suggests that the statement or idea is not certain and may be incorrect.

is subject to scrutiny

This suggests that something will be carefully examined, often critically.

is debatable

This highlights the possibility of different viewpoints or arguments surrounding the topic.

is disputable

Emphasizes that the point is not agreed upon and can be challenged.

is contestable

Suggests that the idea can be argued against or challenged in a formal setting.

raises questions

This emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of clarity surrounding the subject.

warrants investigation

Indicates that something should be looked into more closely.

merits consideration

Highlights the importance of thinking carefully about the subject.

remains unproven

This indicates that there is not enough evidence to prove the veracity of something.

is up for debate

Similar to "is debatable", indicating that the point is open to discussion and disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "can be questioned" in a sentence?

Use "can be questioned" when you want to express that a statement, assumption, or idea is not necessarily true and is open to examination or doubt. For example, "The validity of the data "can be questioned" due to the small sample size."

What are some alternatives to "can be questioned"?

You can use alternatives such as "is open to doubt", "is debatable", or "raises questions" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be questioned"?

While "can be questioned" is in the passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, consider if an active voice construction might be clearer or more direct. For instance, instead of "The results "can be questioned"", you might say "Researchers question the results".

What's the difference between "can be questioned" and "should be questioned"?

"Can be questioned" implies that something is open to doubt or scrutiny, whereas "should be questioned" suggests a stronger recommendation or obligation to examine something more closely. "Can be questioned" is a statement of possibility, while "should be questioned" is a call to action.