he is dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is dubious" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that someone is uncertain, skeptical, or has doubts about something. Example: "He is dubious about the effectiveness of the new policy." Alternative expressions include "he is skeptical" and "he is uncertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He is dubious about this technology.

The New York Times - Books

He is dubious, too, about the investigations into the incident.

The Economist

And he is dubious about the idea of buying annuities.

The New York Times

He is dubious about reports of Russian troops joining the war in Syria.

Independent

He is dubious about the proposed interventions for failing schools a concern he shares with the teachers' unions.

The Economist

But since the city is not wired with fiber optic cabling, he is dubious about the prospect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But he said he was dubious.

The New York Times

He was dubious: "Not many kids want to be writers".

The New Yorker

In fact, he was dubious that such an optimum exists.

The New York Times - Books

Since there were no pictures, Murphy said he was dubious.

The New Yorker

Hood tells me he's dubious about schemes to improve the character of schoolchildren.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is dubious", ensure the context provides a clear indication of what he is dubious about. This might involve specifying the object of his doubt or the reasons behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "he is dubious" when the situation calls for a stronger expression of disbelief or opposition. If the person is actively rejecting something, phrases like "he rejects" or "he dismisses" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is dubious" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating a person's state of mind characterized by doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is dubious" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a person's skepticism or doubt. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While similar to phrases like "he is skeptical" or "he is doubtful", it conveys a slightly more measured uncertainty. Use it when you want to indicate a reasoned doubt, and ensure that the object of his doubt is clear in the context. Avoid using it when a stronger expression of disbelief is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is skeptical

Direct synonym replacing "dubious" with "skeptical" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

he is doubtful

Replaces "dubious" with "doubtful", another word indicating a lack of certainty or belief.

he is unconvinced

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief, suggesting a stronger resistance to an idea than "dubious".

he has reservations

Implies specific concerns or objections, adding a layer of detail not present in "dubious".

he is questioning

Highlights the act of inquiry and uncertainty, focusing on the process of doubting.

he is hesitant

Focuses on reluctance or unwillingness to accept or proceed, rather than pure doubt.

he remains to be convinced

More formal and emphatic, stressing the ongoing need for persuasion.

he is not entirely sure

Expresses a milder form of doubt, indicating some uncertainty without strong skepticism.

he takes a dim view of

Suggests a negative opinion or pessimistic outlook, going beyond simple doubt.

he views it with suspicion

Indicates distrust or a belief that something may be wrong or harmful.

FAQs

How can I use "he is dubious" in a sentence?

You can use "he is dubious" to express skepticism or doubt about something. For example, "He is dubious about the claim that the new policy will reduce crime rates." This suggests he's not entirely convinced it will work.

What are some alternatives to "he is dubious"?

Alternatives include "he is skeptical", "he is doubtful", or "he is unconvinced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is dubious of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he is dubious of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For instance, "He is dubious of the company's long-term prospects." It directly indicates what he is doubting.

What's the difference between "he is dubious" and "he seems dubious"?

"He is dubious" states a fact about his state of mind, while "he seems dubious" is an observation or interpretation of his demeanor. The latter implies that his doubt is inferred from his behavior.