dubious tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious tactic" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a strategy or method that seems questionable or unreliable. An example would be: "The team's use of a dubious tactic raised concerns among the spectators." Alternative expressions include "questionable approach" and "suspect method."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A dubious tactic, that phone call seemed to be.

The New York Times

That's given them some early licks at him, but this dubious tactic could backfire, particularly on Vice President Bush, the Republican front-runner.

The New York Times

"This 'disproportionate use' as the report puts it largely ignored the well-understood police powers and rather relied on the highly dubious tactic of so-called 'consensual' searches.

The Guardian

Captain Will Smith batted for nine and a half hours for 210, refusing to declare until into the sixth session of the match, a good innings, but dubious tactic.

The Guardian - Sport

This constitutionally dubious tactic would allow officers to arrest any of 37 alleged members of the Bloods gang if they are seen together "standing, sitting, walking, driving, gathering or appearing anywhere in public view or any place accessible to the public," whether or not they are doing anything wrong.

The New York Times

Using so-called "exploding termsheets" to pre-empt other offers is not uncommon in the VC world, though even there it's considered a slightly dubious tactic.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Where Microsoft used legally dubious tactics, Facebook unsheaths its wallet and whips out $1bn.

The Guardian - Tech

The music industry has long hit a trifecta of thin value — crappy music, ripped-off artists, and ethically dubious tactics.

Harvard Business Review

After years of disclosures concerning cover-ups, dubious tactics and glaring lapses by the police, Mr. Mitchell's case deepened public discomfort.

The New York Times

In 1954 he produced a notable exposé of the dubious tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy, who had gained prominence with flamboyant charges of communist infiltration of U.S. government agencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the brazen use of government resources, voter intimidation and other dubious tactics failed to produce the result the president wanted.Mr Chávez had called on his followers to "demolish" the opposition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious tactic", ensure the context clearly explains why the tactic is questionable. Provide specific details rather than relying on a general sense of unease.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious tactic" as a generic criticism without providing concrete reasons for your assessment. Instead, elaborate on the specific flaws or risks associated with the tactic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious tactic" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. It is used to express reservations or skepticism about the effectiveness or ethical implications of a particular approach. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dubious tactic" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a questionable or unreliable method. Ludwig confirms its validity. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "questionable method" or "suspect strategy" can be used for variety. When employing this phrase, provide context to clarify why the tactic is considered questionable. It is not a very frequent term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable method

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential unreliability of the method.

suspect strategy

Focuses on the trustworthiness and potential flaws of the strategy.

doubtful approach

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of confidence in the approach.

risky maneuver

Stresses the potential dangers and negative consequences of the maneuver.

controversial move

Indicates that the move is likely to cause disagreement or opposition.

debatable practice

Suggests that the practice is open to discussion and disagreement.

unreliable technique

Focuses on the lack of dependability and consistency of the technique.

tenuous scheme

Implies that the scheme is fragile and unlikely to succeed.

shaky plan

Highlights the instability and lack of solid foundation of the plan.

uncertain course of action

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and predictability of the course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious tactic" to describe a strategy or method that seems questionable or unreliable. For example: "The company's use of a "dubious tactic" to increase sales raised ethical concerns."

What can I say instead of "dubious tactic"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable method", "suspect strategy", or "doubtful approach" depending on the context.

Is "dubious tactic" formal or informal language?

"Dubious tactic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.

What makes a tactic "dubious"?

A tactic can be considered "dubious" if it is unethical, unreliable, likely to fail, or based on questionable assumptions. The term implies a degree of skepticism or uncertainty about the tactic's effectiveness or appropriateness.