is dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

"is dubious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to express doubt or suspicion. For example, you could say "The quality of the service is dubious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Honduras is dubious.

The New Yorker

Mr. O'Reilly is dubious.

The New York Times

This claim is dubious.

The New Yorker

Guessing is dubious.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Seehofer is dubious.

The Economist

Mr. Miller is dubious.

The New York Times

Dr. McKenna is dubious.

The New York Times - Science

This argument is dubious.

The New York Times

Even that, however, is dubious.

The Economist

The claim is dubious.

The Guardian - Sport

The whole episode is dubious, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is dubious" to express a moderate level of doubt or skepticism. Avoid using it when a stronger term like "false" or "untrue" is more appropriate.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "is questionable" or "is subject to scrutiny" to maintain a more objective and professional tone. Overuse of "is dubious" can sometimes come across as overly informal or opinionated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is dubious" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, serving to attribute a quality of doubtfulness or uncertainty to the subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in writing. The examples from Ludwig illustrate how this phrase connects a subject with a state of being questioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is dubious" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey doubt or uncertainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions grammatically as a linking verb and adjective, primarily serving to express cautious assessments in a neutral register. While predominantly found in News & Media and academic sources, its applicability extends across various contexts. When using "is dubious", it's important to consider the level of formality and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives such as "is questionable" or "is doubtful" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is questionable

Emphasizes that something is open to doubt or challenge.

is doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty or improbability of something.

is suspect

Suggests something is not genuine or reliable.

is open to question

Highlights that the thing can be discussed or challenged.

is unconvincing

Highlights a lack of persuasiveness or credibility.

is far-fetched

Indicates that something is unlikely or improbable.

is implausible

Stresses the difficulty in believing something.

is tenuous

Highlights the weakness or fragility of something.

is flimsy

Suggests something lacks substance or strength.

is debatable

Emphasizes the controversial nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is dubious" to express doubt or uncertainty about a claim, statement, or situation. For example, "The claim that the product can cure all diseases "is dubious"".

What are some alternatives to "is dubious"?

Alternatives include "is questionable", "is doubtful", or "is suspect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is dubious" in writing?

"Is dubious" is appropriate when you want to express a moderate level of skepticism or doubt without making a definitive judgment. It's suitable for situations where there's reason to question something, but not enough evidence to outright dismiss it.

What's the difference between "is dubious" and "is false"?

"Is dubious" implies uncertainty or doubt, suggesting something may not be true but isn't definitively proven wrong. "Is false", on the other hand, asserts that something is incorrect or untrue based on available evidence. "Is dubious" indicates less certainty than saying something "is false".