dubious business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a business or activity that is questionable, suspicious, or lacking in integrity. Example: "The company was involved in dubious business practices that raised concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Qataris declined, citing dubious business logic.

The New Yorker

Listed companies continue to do dubious business with related parties.

The Economist

Like many dubious business decisions, this one is justified by talk of "synergy".

The New Yorker

Her biography emphasises Turner's antisocial quirks, dubious business dealings and sexual irregularities.

The Guardian - Books

Stockbroking was seen as a dubious business, devoted less to working with the customer than to working the customer.

The Economist

The report also revealed a number of other dubious business practices, arousing the anger of the general public.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leonard's piece is not the first to look in detail at the dubious business of for-profit colleges.

The New Yorker

Critics asserted NovaStar used questionable accounting to produce those profits as well as other dubious business practices.

The New York Times

The most dubious business plan can look solid — even smart — if it's cast as a virtuous circle.

Harvard Business Review

Partly thanks to its growing institutionalisation, it has become less cautious about valuations and has financed too many competing companies with dubious business plans.

The Economist

Twelve ministers were forced to resign over various misdeeds; and there were numerous indiscretions from backbench MPs, ranging from affairs with night-club hostesses to dubious business dealings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dubious business" to refer to the practices or dealings, rather than labeling the entire business as inherently "dubious". This nuanced approach allows for acknowledging potential positive aspects alongside the questionable ones.

Common error

While "dubious business" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "questionable enterprise" or "shady dealings" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious business" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "dubious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "business". It describes a business or its activities as being questionable, suspicious, or of uncertain legitimacy, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dubious business" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes questionable, unethical, or suspicious business activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news reports, business analyses, and academic discussions. While it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, providing supporting details and avoiding overuse, it remains a powerful tool for expressing skepticism about business dealings. Remember to consider related alternatives like "questionable enterprise" or "shady dealings" to enrich your writing and maintain clarity. By understanding the nuances of "dubious business", you can effectively communicate your concerns and encourage greater scrutiny of potentially unethical practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable enterprise

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential lack of legitimacy of the business.

shady dealings

Focuses on the secretive and potentially illegal nature of the business activities.

suspect transaction

Highlights the potential for fraud or illegal activity within a specific business interaction.

dodgy scheme

Implies a plan that is likely to be dishonest or unreliable.

fishy venture

Suggests something suspicious and not entirely trustworthy about the business endeavor.

unethical practice

Highlights the moral concerns associated with the business's methods and operations.

controversial undertaking

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement and public debate surrounding the business.

ill-advised investment

Focuses on the poor judgment involved in putting money into the business.

risky proposition

Highlights the high chance of failure or loss associated with the business.

exploitative operation

Focuses on practices where the business benefits by unfairly taking advantage of others.

FAQs

How can I use "dubious business" in a sentence?

You can use "dubious business" to describe a company's practices, for example: "The company was accused of engaging in "dubious business" practices to inflate its profits."

What are some synonyms for "dubious business"?

Alternatives include "questionable enterprise", "shady dealings", or "suspect transaction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a whole company a "dubious business"?

It's generally more accurate and fair to describe the specific practices as "dubious" rather than labeling the entire company. Focus on the specific activities that raise concerns.

What's the difference between "dubious business" and "unethical practice"?

"Dubious business" refers more broadly to questionable or suspect activities, while "unethical practice" specifically highlights the moral concerns associated with those activities.