dubious choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or selection that is questionable or uncertain in its value or appropriateness. Example: "Choosing to invest in that failing company was a dubious choice that raised many eyebrows among the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That was a dubious choice of gift.

The Economist

The city is Detroit,… Tampa was widely considered a dubious choice for the Republican National Convention.

The New Yorker

Tampa was widely considered a dubious choice for the Republican National Convention.

The New Yorker

By George Packer Tampa was widely considered a dubious choice for the Republican National Convention.

The New Yorker

The brother is recovering from a brain injury, the sister from a dubious choice of romantic partner.

The New Yorker

For an animated film, it is a dubious choice for younger audiences, even with the appearance of Mickey Mouse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He applies the same insouciance to other dubious choices.

The Economist

Yet their political system was subverted from the outset by dubious choices made in 2001.

The Economist

Nyborg makes compromises, sanctions the dark arts and makes morally dubious choices in order to survive.

The Guardian - Opinion

C5 Business Digest C2 EDITORIAL A18-19 EditoriAnointmentsmenot, not appointments; a true test on energy; the Anderson files; dubious choices.

The New York Times

"What Is Left the Daughter" is about the dubious choices otherwise sensible people make in the crucible of a terrible war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious choice", ensure the context clearly indicates why the choice is questionable. Providing specific reasons enhances the impact and credibility of your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious choice" when a more neutral term like "unconventional choice" would suffice. Overusing strong language can weaken your argument and make it seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious choice" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to critique or question the soundness of a decision or selection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious choice" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey doubt or disapproval regarding a decision or selection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, but also encyclopedias and wikis. While alternatives like "questionable selection" or "doubtful decision" exist, "dubious choice" effectively communicates uncertainty or skepticism about a specific option. Understanding its nuances and usage helps writers employ it accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable selection

Replaces "choice" with "selection", maintaining a similar level of formality.

doubtful decision

Substitutes "dubious" with "doubtful" and "choice" with "decision", altering the phrasing while retaining the core meaning.

suspect option

Employs "suspect" in place of "dubious" and "option" for "choice", suggesting a stronger sense of mistrust.

controversial pick

Utilizes "controversial" to highlight the divisive nature of the choice and "pick" for "choice", indicating disagreement or debate.

debatable alternative

Replaces "dubious" with "debatable" and "choice" with "alternative", implying that the selection is open to discussion and argument.

risky selection

Substitutes "dubious" with "risky", emphasizing the potential for negative consequences.

ill-advised selection

Indicates a poor decision by using a stronger term, 'ill-advised', which means poorly considered.

unwise decision

Directly states the decision lacks wisdom or good judgment.

imprudent selection

Uses a more formal term, 'imprudent', to indicate the selection is not cautious or sensible.

rash choice

Suggests the choice was made without sufficient consideration or planning.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious choice" to describe a decision that is questionable or uncertain. For example: "Selecting that candidate with no experience was a "dubious choice"."

What can I say instead of "dubious choice"?

Alternatives include "questionable selection", "doubtful decision", or "suspect option", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "dubious choice" a formal or informal expression?

"Dubious choice" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "imprudent selection" for added emphasis.

What makes a choice "dubious"?

A choice is considered "dubious" when there are reasons to doubt its wisdom, effectiveness, or ethical soundness. The reasons might stem from lack of information, potential negative consequences, or conflicting values.