could be questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may be subject to doubt or scrutiny. Example: "The validity of the research findings could be questioned due to the small sample size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They could be questioned if a sample came up positive.

The New York Times - Sports

He noted that Verrazano's ability to go the distance could be questioned.

The New York Times - Sports

The presenter could be questioned by officers from London's Metropolitan police in the next few days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The sanity of that decision could be questioned on many levels.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether 'the best' and 'aligned with each other' could be questioned, I guess.

The Guardian - Tech

You could be questioned about being five minutes late arriving in the morning.

The New York Times

It could be questioned whether Heatherwick's design best serves the vision of the bridge.

The Guardian - Arts

Before he could be questioned, he killed himself in his cell.

The Guardian - Books

Brown dismisses criticism that the value of her research on sunglasses could be questioned.

The Guardian

He could be questioned again if the joint French-British investigation team decides that it is necessary".

Independent

The newspaper reported, however, that a more comprehensive review later turned up about 80 officers whose records could be questioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be questioned" when you want to express a possibility of doubt or scrutiny, but avoid overusing it in contexts where a stronger expression of certainty or doubt is more appropriate. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the phrase conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "could be questioned" when you intend to make a definitive statement of fact or strong opinion. This phrase introduces uncertainty, so if your goal is to assert something firmly, choose more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be questioned" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a possibility or suggestion of doubt regarding something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase introduces an element of uncertainty or invites scrutiny of a particular aspect or claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be questioned" is a modal verb phrase used to introduce doubt or suggest scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's very commonly found in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "might be challenged" or "is open to doubt" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context. It's crucial to avoid using it in assertive contexts where a stronger statement is needed. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively employ "could be questioned" to convey the intended level of uncertainty or invitation for further evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be challenged

Expresses a similar level of possibility of being challenged or doubted, using "might" instead of "could".

may be doubted

Indicates a possibility of doubt, focusing on the act of doubting something.

can be doubted

Implies a general possibility that something is open to doubt or skepticism.

is open to doubt

Focuses on the state of something being susceptible to doubt or uncertainty.

is called into question

Emphasizes that something's validity or truth is actively being challenged.

is subject to scrutiny

Highlights the aspect of being examined closely and critically.

is potentially disputable

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement or argument about something.

is liable to be challenged

Indicates a probability or risk of being challenged.

is up for debate

Highlights that something is currently being discussed and argued about.

warrants further investigation

Suggests that something deserves a more in-depth examination due to potential issues or uncertainties.

FAQs

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

Use "could be questioned" to indicate that something's validity, accuracy, or reliability is open to doubt or scrutiny. For example, "The validity of the results "could be questioned" due to the small sample size."

What are some alternatives to "could be questioned"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be doubted", "might be challenged", or "is open to doubt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be questioned" or "should be questioned"?

"Could be questioned" suggests a possibility or potential for doubt, while "should be questioned" implies a stronger recommendation or necessity for scrutiny. The choice depends on whether you're indicating a possibility or advocating for examination.

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

"Could be questioned" indicates a potential for doubt, whereas "called into question" implies that something is actively being doubted or challenged. The latter suggests a more direct and immediate challenge.