dubious of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious of" is not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "dubious about." You can use "dubious about" when expressing uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular idea, claim, or situation.
Example: "She was dubious about the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some elected officials were dubious of Mr. Bloomberg's sincerity.

The New York Times

Jowitt is rightly dubious of an ongoing evangelical adventure.

The New Yorker

"I see you are dubious of the proposition".

The New Yorker

Many engineers he spoke to were dubious of his project.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most dubious of accessories is children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A surprising number of people close to the case are dubious of Mohammed's confession.

The New Yorker

Dubious of Mr. Hofmeyr's claims on Facebook, Mr. Rademeyer commissioned an investigation.

The New York Times

Once that genie is out of the bottle, Asians are dubious of a policy fix.

The New York Times

To the uninitiated, these clandestine directories make the most dubious of all literary subgenres.

The New York Times - Books

(Mr. Gulland was more dubious of the value of such products).

The New York Times

3. Stay.com I'm generally dubious of sites that claim they can plan your trip for you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "dubious of" is commonly used, favor the grammatically correct alternative "dubious about" in formal writing to maintain clarity and precision.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "of" after "dubious", influenced by similar phrases. Always double-check preposition usage to ensure grammatical correctness; in this case, "dubious about" is the standard form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to express doubt or skepticism. Ludwig reports that it's not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "dubious about."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While "dubious of" is a prevalent expression used to indicate doubt or skepticism, it's crucial to recognize that it is grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig, the correct phrasing is "dubious about". Despite its common occurrence in various sources, especially news and media, opting for "dubious about" ensures grammatical accuracy and strengthens the clarity of your writing. Therefore, while you may encounter "dubious of" frequently, adopting "dubious about" is a best practice for formal and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical about

Indicates doubt or disbelief, focusing on a questioning attitude towards something.

doubtful about

Suggests uncertainty or a lack of conviction regarding the truth or reliability of something.

unsure about

Implies a lack of certainty or confidence in a particular matter.

questioning

Highlights the act of inquiring or expressing doubts about something.

suspicious of

Suggests a feeling of mistrust or wariness towards someone or something.

leery of

Indicates caution and reluctance due to potential danger or problems.

apprehensive about

Expresses anxiety or fear about a future event or situation.

distrustful of

Implies a lack of trust and a tendency to doubt the honesty or reliability of someone or something.

incredulous about

Shows disbelief or skepticism, often in response to something surprising or hard to believe.

hesitant about

Indicates reluctance or unwillingness to do something due to uncertainty or fear.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "dubious of"?

No, while commonly used, "dubious of" is considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "dubious about".

What does "dubious about" mean?

"Dubious about" means having doubts or uncertainty about something. It suggests a lack of conviction or skepticism.

What can I say instead of "dubious of"?

Instead of "dubious of", you can use alternatives like "skeptical about", "doubtful about", or "unsure about" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "dubious of" and ""dubious about""?

While "dubious of" is often used, it is grammatically incorrect. "Dubious about" is the correct and widely accepted form, expressing uncertainty or skepticism.