dubious instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe instructions that are questionable, unreliable, or not trustworthy. Example: "The manual provided dubious instructions that led to confusion among the users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Few civil servants dare oppose legally or ethically dubious instructions from their superiors, and those who do face reprisals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If your instructions include dubious steps (such as opening or modifying System files, or running other programs aside from Office), don't follow them without getting expert advice from a trusted friend first.

WikiHow

He had brought it home the same way he did all his dubious belongings, with the implicit instruction that no one ask questions.

The New Yorker

"Wuss" has implausibilities (for one, the smart and attractive Maddie says she's friendless), dubious lessons in manhood (handgun instruction is part of Mitch's rehabilitation) and some regressive depictions of minorities.

The New York Times

This instruction is worse than dubious.

SEP

Oddest of all, it is the secularists who are pushing for the old time religion of moral instruction, while the faithful are more than a bit dubious.

The New York Times

To anyone who grew up in the Harry Potter era, trawling the internet for DIY Patronus instructions and haphazard "magic" scams, an online wizarding school might sound dubious, at best.

Vice

Dubious prospects.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, dubious.

The Economist

Dubious tallies?

The Economist

Honduras is dubious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "dubious instructions" with stronger terms if the situation warrants greater emphasis on the potential harm or illegality of the instructions. Alternatives like "untrustworthy directives" or "suspect guidelines" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious instructions" when the instructions are simply unclear or confusing, rather than genuinely questionable. Ensure there's a valid reason to suspect the instructions before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious instructions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "instructions". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe directions or guidelines that are questionable or untrustworthy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dubious instructions" is a phrase used to describe directions or guidelines that are questionable or unreliable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in news and media, wiki and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the instructions questionable and consider stronger terms if the situation warrants greater emphasis on potential harm. Alternatives include "questionable instructions" or "untrustworthy directives".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable instructions

Synonymous change between "dubious" and "questionable"

dubious guidance

Synonymous change between "instructions" and "guidance"

unreliable instructions

Focuses on the reliability of the instructions instead of their doubtful nature.

questionable directions

Replaces 'instructions' with 'directions', implying a focus on the guidance provided.

suspect guidelines

Uses 'suspect' instead of 'dubious', suggesting a stronger sense of mistrust.

untrustworthy directives

Emphasizes the lack of reliability in the instructions.

fishy orders

Offers a more informal and colloquial way to express suspicion about the instructions.

dodgy guidance

Uses 'dodgy' to indicate something that is potentially dishonest or unreliable.

shady procedures

Shifts the focus to the process or method being instructed, implying secrecy or illegality.

risky steps

Focuses on the potential danger or negative consequences of following the instructions.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious instructions" to describe guidance that seems unreliable, questionable, or potentially harmful. For instance, "The manual provided "dubious instructions" that could damage the equipment."

What can I say instead of "dubious instructions"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable instructions", "suspect guidelines", or "untrustworthy directives" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "dubious instructions" or "dubiously instructions"?

"Dubious instructions" is correct because "dubious" is an adjective describing the noun "instructions". "Dubiously" is an adverb and would not be appropriate in this context.

What's the difference between "dubious instructions" and "vague instructions"?

"Dubious instructions" implies that the instructions are questionable or unreliable, possibly leading to negative consequences. "Vague instructions", on the other hand, simply means the instructions are unclear or not detailed enough.