dubious origins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious origins" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The antique vase had dubious origins, with the seller providing multiple conflicting stories about where it came from.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Ivy League process, quite apart from its dubious origins, seems subjective and opaque.

The New Yorker

Much of the confusion on this issue comes from the tangle of terms applied to food ("sell by," "use by," best before") and their dubious origins.

The New York Times

But the album's dubious origins did not stop "Alive" from cracking Billboard's Top 10 and giving the heavy metal band its first Top 20 single.

The New York Times

Last August, the top officials of the office fighting financial crime resigned after accusing the government of lacking a clear strategy for dealing with money of dubious origins.

The New York Times

And this year's Dubious Origins medal goes to the Astor Place subway-tile mug, which is made in Thailand (at the New York Transit Museum, Schermerhorn Street at Boerum Place, Brooklyn Heights, and in Grand Central; $14).

The New Yorker

Part of being a careful consumer would mean buying fewer items at a fair price that are of better quality rather than multiple cut-price disposal items of dubious origins.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Viewed with detachment, however, repeated mirror trades suggest a sustained plot to shift and hide money of possibly dubious origin.

The New Yorker

Both President Obama and former governor Mitt Romney tossed out a blizzard of statistics and facts, often of dubious origin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Never mind that Mr Trump's speeches are not just boastful but laden with exaggerations and claims of dubious origin.

Independent

Prosecutors investigating Ms. Rodriguez said they concluded that Mr. Ostreicher could be entangled in the laundering of "capital of dubious origin".

The New York Times

The Getty is hardly the only American institution to be accused of buying art of dubious origin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious origins", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the origins questionable. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious origins" without providing context. Vague statements can weaken your argument. Instead, briefly explain why the origins are questionable for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious origins" functions as a noun phrase often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It characterizes something by describing its questionable or uncertain beginnings. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse topics from album origins to political matters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dubious origins" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express uncertainty or skepticism about the source or beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, most frequently in news and media. When using the phrase, it’s best to provide context to clarify what makes the origins questionable. Consider alternatives like "questionable source" or "uncertain beginning" for variety. When talking about how the origin of something is suspicious or not clear, it is right to use the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious source

Similar to "questionable source" but retains the word "dubious".

unverified genesis

Focuses on the lack of confirmation or validation of the origin or beginning.

uncertain beginning

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the initial stages or founding.

unclear provenance

Highlights the unknown or uncertain history of ownership or origin.

questionable source

Focuses on the uncertainty of the source rather than the origin itself.

murky past

Emphasizes the obscurity and potential negativity of the history.

shady background

Implies a hidden or disreputable history.

suspect start

Suggests the beginnings are regarded with suspicion.

fishy history

Suggests something is not quite right or trustworthy about the past.

tenuous foundations

Implies the underlying principles or beginnings are weak or unreliable.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious origins" to describe something whose beginnings are uncertain or questionable. For example, "The artifact's "dubious origins" made it difficult to authenticate".

What can I say instead of "dubious origins"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable source", "uncertain beginning", or "shady background" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "dubious origin" or "dubious origins"?

"Dubious origin" refers to a singular source, while "dubious origins" suggests multiple sources or a complex, uncertain beginning. The choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

What's the difference between "dubious origins" and "unclear provenance"?

"Dubious origins" suggests a general uncertainty or questionability about the beginnings, while "unclear provenance" specifically refers to uncertainty about the history of ownership or source.