for questionable reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for questionable reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or decisions that lack clear justification or are deemed suspicious. Example: "The committee decided to reject the proposal for questionable reasons that were not clearly articulated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In many cases children were being taken away from their mothers for questionable reasons.

The Guardian

I will have a hard time forgiving President Bush for sending so many to their deaths for questionable reasons.

The New York Times

But the Wellmans' case shows the uphill battle facing many troubled borrowers who believe that they are losing their homes for questionable reasons, like onerous fees.

The New York Times

By contrast, I can't remember anyone I sent for an unnecessary CT scan or operated on for questionable reasons a decade ago.

The New Yorker

What made L.V.M.'s situation so striking wasn't just that he was in detention for questionable reasons but that it was O.R.R. that was holding him.

The New Yorker

It would therefore seem that all it really does is complicate and aggravate the lives of large numbers of people for questionable reasons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The level of access to get to this documentation, it's someone who has done it for very questionable reasons.

The Guardian - Sport

But companies also merge for more questionable reasons: because an overconfident chief executive overestimates a target firm's value or seeks to build a business empire, or because the bidder wants to take advantage of its overvalued share price.

Columbia University

Again, people may have nefarious motivations for using cloning – just as they may have questionable reasons for using IVF or having children the natural way – but aside from religious arguments regarding the moral status of the embryo and the significance of sexual union, there seems to be little to support the notion that "replication" infringes human dignity.

BMC Medical Ethics

Despite the fact that the digestive system has clearly evolved to handle what we eat, the brain can (and regularly does) override it, for at-best-questionable reasons.

The Guardian

Vague laws and insufficient oversight have allowed some bondsmen in New York to return defendants to jail for questionable or unspecified reasons, and then withhold thousands of dollars to which they may not be entitled, according to lawyers, judges, state regulators and even some bondsmen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for questionable reasons", ensure the context makes it clear who is questioning the validity of the reasons and why. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "for questionable reasons" as a substitute for providing specific details about why the reasons are suspect. Offer evidence or context to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for questionable reasons" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It describes the circumstances or motivation behind an action or event, indicating that the reasons given are doubtful or suspicious. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for questionable reasons" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that expresses doubt or suspicion regarding the motives behind an action. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as in academic and scientific discourse. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is questioning the reasons and why. Avoid using it vaguely without providing supporting evidence or context. Alternatives such as "for dubious motives" or "for unclear justifications" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for dubious motives

Emphasizes the potential dishonesty or lack of integrity behind the reasons.

for unclear justifications

Focuses on the lack of transparency or logic in the reasons provided.

on flimsy pretenses

Highlights the weakness and lack of substance in the reasons.

without adequate cause

Stresses the absence of sufficient justification or grounds.

under suspicious circumstances

Draws attention to the potentially dishonest or illegal nature of the situation.

for reasons that are not entirely clear

Emphasizes the lack of transparency and the difficulty in understanding the reasons.

based on specious arguments

Highlights the deceptive and misleading nature of the reasoning.

premised on shaky foundations

Indicates that the reasons are built on unreliable or unstable grounds.

with suspect reasoning

Focuses on the untrustworthy nature of the logical process used.

on dubious grounds

Highlights the uncertainty and unreliability of the basis for the action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "for questionable reasons" in a sentence?

You can use "for questionable reasons" to express doubt about the validity or honesty of the reasons behind an action or decision. For example, "The project was cancelled "for questionable reasons" that were never fully explained."

What are some alternatives to "for questionable reasons"?

Alternatives to "for questionable reasons" include "for dubious motives", "for unclear justifications", or "on flimsy pretenses" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say something was done "for questionable reasons"?

Yes, using the phrase "for questionable reasons" typically implies a negative connotation, suggesting that the motives or justifications behind an action are suspect or dishonest.

What's the difference between "for questionable reasons" and "for unknown reasons"?

"For questionable reasons" suggests that the reasons are known but suspected to be invalid or dishonest. "For unknown reasons" simply means that the reasons are not known at all, without necessarily implying any suspicion.