dubious hypotheses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious hypotheses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories or ideas that are questionable or lacking in evidence. Example: "The researchers presented several dubious hypotheses that failed to convince the scientific community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A common tactic used by those promoting dubious hypotheses is to argue that the claim in question is just another example of something that is already supported by good quality evidence and is accepted by the scientific community.

The Guardian

However, the exact mechanism of Pickett effect is still mysterious although several dubious hypotheses were proposed.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His candidacy, if it comes off, will test the (rather dubious) hypothesis that Republicans might be willing to forgo some of the visceral pleasures of an eighteen-month-long Hate Week in exchange for nominating someone capable of appealing to moderates and other infidels.

The New Yorker

This started a whole era during which the Axiom of Choice was treated most carefully as a dubious hypothesis (see the monumental study by Moore 1982).

SEP

The authors are dubious about the hypothesis proposed by several evolutionists of mixed membranes in LUCA, with both sn2,3 and sn1,2 lipids made by a non enantio-specific enzyme.

Biology Direct

Regarding this hypothesis as dubious, the authors embarked upon testing whether different geographic, historical, social and economic settings would produce similar sets of indicators explaining social vulnerability to floods, thus justifying the application of such variables in generalised spatial models.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

The notion that fatty foods shorten your life began as a hypothesis based on dubious assumptions and data; when scientists tried to confirm it they failed repeatedly.

The New York Times - Science

Finally, a common objection has it that the universality of doubt undermines the method of doubt itself, since, for example, the sceptical hypotheses themselves are so dubious.

SEP

Still, the theory seemed dubious.

The New Yorker

He pointed out that skepticism implies a doubting; but in his "as if " philosophy there is nothing dubious about patently false fictions that, unlike ordinary hypotheses, are not subject to verification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their work has sparked the wide popularity of the bipolar hypothesis, yet it is rife with dubious assumptions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious hypotheses", ensure that you provide context as to why the hypotheses are considered dubious. This adds credibility to your argument and avoids making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious hypotheses" without proper justification. It is important to present a balanced view, acknowledging any potential merits before explaining the reasons for your skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious hypotheses" functions as an adjective-noun construction. "Dubious" modifies the noun "hypotheses", indicating that the hypotheses in question are questionable or suspect. Ludwig shows that this expression is used to describe claims or theories that are not well-supported by evidence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dubious hypotheses" is used to describe theories or claims that are questionable or lack sufficient evidence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, it is recommended to provide justification for your skepticism to strengthen your argument. Alternatives like "questionable assumptions" or "tenuous theories" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious assumptions

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding the initial assumptions.

questionable assumptions

Focuses on the uncertainty of the underlying assumptions rather than the hypothesis itself.

tenuous theories

Highlights the fragility and lack of strong support for the theories.

weakly supported hypotheses

Emphasizes the lack of robust evidence backing the hypotheses.

unsubstantiated claims

Emphasizes the absence of evidence to support the claims made by the hypotheses.

speculative conjectures

Suggests that the ideas are based on guesswork rather than solid evidence.

shaky premises

Focuses on the unstable or unreliable foundation upon which the ideas are built.

controversial propositions

Indicates that the hypotheses are likely to provoke disagreement or debate.

unverified speculations

Highlights that the speculations haven't been tested or confirmed.

implausible explanations

Focuses on how difficult to believe or accept the explanation is.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious hypotheses" to refer to theories or ideas that lack sufficient evidence or have questionable validity. For example: "The scientist dismissed the claims as "dubious hypotheses"."

What are some alternatives to "dubious hypotheses"?

Alternatives to "dubious hypotheses" include phrases like "questionable assumptions", "tenuous theories", or "unsubstantiated claims".

When is it appropriate to use the term "dubious hypotheses"?

It's appropriate to use "dubious hypotheses" when you want to express skepticism or doubt about the validity of certain theories or proposals, especially when there's a lack of strong evidence or logical reasoning.

What makes a hypothesis "dubious"?

A hypothesis can be considered "dubious" if it lacks empirical support, contradicts established knowledge, relies on flawed reasoning, or is based on "dubious assumptions".