doubtful sources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtful sources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to sources of information that are questionable or lack credibility. Example: "When conducting research, it is important to avoid relying on doubtful sources that may mislead you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The also noted that it included some doubtful sources of revenue, like $250 million from the proposed sale of the Off-Track Betting Corporation, which may not materialize this year, and more than $170 million in rent payments from the Port Authority for airports that might be in danger.

The New York Times

But it occurs in the last five books of the text and these are widely recognized as especially doubtful sources of biographical material.

SEP

The areas that are undersupplied very often resort to the consumption of water from doubtful sources which equally gives rise to the affliction of waterborne diseases and unnecessary expenditure of lean income of the sector to procure it.

Applied Water Science

In 1946, The Improvement Era, an official periodical of the Church, said that many of the book's citations arose from doubtful sources and that the biography was "of no interest to Latter-day Saints who have correct knowledge of the history of Joseph Smith".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Autochthonous material is a doubtful source of organics given the uncharacteristically low number of autotrophic protists detected.

Plosone

In addition, the government has slashed subsidies for onshore wind and solar power, making future growth in those energy sources doubtful.

The Guardian

It was doubtful whether the source of the shot that killed Ms. Gay would definitively be determined, even by comparing the slug to those from the Glocks fired by two officers, the police said, because of the generic markings the lead slug picked up as it passed through the gun's barrel.

The New York Times

Voigt expanded on his 2004 assertion in 2013, telling investigative reporter Gareth Porter that his contacts in the BND, Germany's intelligence agency, had informed him that the agency considered the MEK source "doubtful" and that Germany was concerned that the US was acting on dubious evidence, as they had done in the run up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Vice

And he is doubtful that renewable energy sources like wind and solar power can be ramped up fast enough to meet the challenge.

The New York Times

In his view, Cliff and Delaney "assume the veracity and authenticity of sources of doubtful authorship and unreliable date" and make the mistake of taking Columbus at his word although he was notoriously disingenuous.

Huffington Post

However it is doubtful that these additional sources would skew either towards citations to the parent journal or to its supplements enough to make a difference in the overall findings presented here.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating information, always cross-reference claims from "doubtful sources" with more reputable ones to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation.

Common error

Avoid basing important decisions or conclusions solely on information from a single "doubtful source". Always seek corroboration from multiple, reliable sources to gain a more comprehensive and trustworthy understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful sources" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where the adjective "doubtful" modifies the noun "sources". This indicates that the sources in question are not considered reliable or trustworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doubtful sources" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though it appears relatively infrequently in the examined sources. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's suitable for expressing skepticism about the reliability of specific information sources. This phrase is found across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, making it versatile in terms of register. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider alternatives such as "unreliable sources" or "questionable sources". Always cross-reference information from potential "doubtful sources" with more reliable ones for accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable sources

Highlights the aspect of questioning the validity of the sources.

untrustworthy sources

Emphasizes the lack of trustworthiness of the sources.

uncertain sources

Focuses on the lack of certainty associated with the sources.

suspect sources

Implies a stronger degree of distrust or suspicion than "doubtful".

unreliable origins

Focuses on the unreliability aspect of the origin rather than the source itself.

unconfirmed sources

Highlights the lack of verification or validation of the sources.

dubious origins

Emphasizes the uncertainty and suspicion surrounding the origins.

shaky sources

Suggests instability and unreliability in the foundation of the sources.

tenuous sources

Highlights the weakness or lack of solid basis in the sources.

contested sources

Focuses on the fact that sources are being challenged or disputed.

FAQs

What does "doubtful sources" mean?

The phrase "doubtful sources" refers to sources of information whose reliability or credibility is questionable. These sources may contain inaccuracies, biases, or lack sufficient evidence to support their claims.

How can I identify "doubtful sources"?

You can identify "doubtful sources" by checking the author's credentials, looking for evidence of bias, verifying the information with other reputable sources, and being wary of sensational or unsupported claims.

What are some alternatives to "doubtful sources"?

Alternatives to "doubtful sources" include "unreliable sources", "questionable sources", "suspect sources", or "dubious origins", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Why is it important to avoid using "doubtful sources" in research?

Using "doubtful sources" in research can lead to inaccurate conclusions, biased results, and a lack of credibility in your findings. Relying on reliable and trustworthy sources is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your research.