dubious proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an idea or statement that is questionable or not to be trusted. Example: "The scientist presented a dubious proposition that contradicted established theories without sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seems a dubious proposition.

The Guardian - Books

That is a dubious proposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is a dubious proposition, for two reasons.

The New York Times

Pitching four innings, however, was a dubious proposition.

The New York Times

From that somewhat dubious proposition Summit Series was born.

The New York Times

It is a dubious proposition, supported by little validated intelligence.

The New York Times

A few years ago, such a dubious proposition would have been rejected out of hand.

The New York Times

Even for these supreme egoists, individual identity is a dubious proposition.

The New York Times

The request posted last year on the Web site alibaba.com was surprisingly straightforward for such a dubious proposition.

The New York Times

Too many people who consume the crime genre persuade themselves of the dubious proposition: "I have a novel in me!

Independent

The larger lesson may be that top-down development in the midst of war is a dubious proposition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious proposition", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the proposition is questionable. Providing specific reasons or evidence that undermines the proposition will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious proposition" simply as a dismissive phrase. Always provide a clear explanation or evidence to support your assessment of the proposition as dubious. Lack of justification weakens your stance and can make your argument seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious proposition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "proposition". It is used to characterize a statement or idea as questionable or lacking credibility. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often precedes an explanation of why the proposition is considered doubtful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious proposition" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe a questionable or untrustworthy statement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide context and justification for the skepticism. Alternatives such as "questionable claim" or "doubtful assertion" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using it as a mere dismissal without proper reasoning, as this can weaken your argument. Overall, "dubious proposition" serves as a strong indicator of doubt, and Ludwig AI provides ample examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable claim

Focuses on the uncertainty or lack of supporting evidence for the assertion.

dubitable concept

Similar to "dubious proposition" but puts more emphasis on doubting if the concept can be real or true.

doubtful assertion

Highlights a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism towards the statement.

uncertain premise

Suggests that the foundation or starting point of an argument is not reliable.

shaky argument

Emphasizes the weakness or instability of the reasoning presented.

unconvincing argument

Points out that the reasons provided are not persuasive or compelling.

tenuous theory

Implies that the explanation or model is fragile and easily challenged.

implausible idea

Indicates that the concept is unlikely or difficult to believe.

contestable idea

Emphasizes that the concept is open to dispute or debate.

suspect proposal

Suggests that the plan may be flawed or have hidden motives.

FAQs

How to use "dubious proposition" in a sentence?

Use "dubious proposition" to describe a statement or idea that is questionable or lacks sufficient evidence. For example, "The scientist presented a "dubious proposition" that contradicted established theories."

What can I say instead of "dubious proposition"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable claim", "doubtful assertion", or "uncertain premise" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dubious proposition" or "doubtful proposition"?

Both "dubious proposition" and "doubtful proposition" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Dubious" might suggest a stronger sense of skepticism.

What's the difference between "dubious proposition" and "unproven hypothesis"?

"Dubious proposition" implies a lack of credibility or trustworthiness in the statement, while "unproven hypothesis" simply means the idea has not yet been tested or confirmed. A hypothesis is unproven by default until there's evidence.