it's questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are expressing doubt or uncertainty about something. For example, "It's questionable whether the new law will actually benefit the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

While Peck can cut Theglobe.com's costs, it's questionable whether he can increase the subscriber base or substantially increase advertising revenue.

Forbes

With the UK's latest ruling on VoD porn, it's questionable how far we've come.

Vice

But it's questionable if the market offerings we see today really serves customers's needs.

TechCrunch

"It's questionable.

The New York Times

It's questionable how we could proceed in New York.

The New York Times

But it's questionable whether this makes for a better book.

The New York Times - Books

"It's questionable I'll be able to do anything this week".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's questionable whether Mark or Dvorak will play".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, it's questionable how much credit Morgenthau deserves for this transformation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was questionable policy.

The New York Times - Magazine

As sociology, it was questionable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's questionable" to introduce a balanced perspective, suggesting doubt without outright dismissal. It's useful when acknowledging uncertainty in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it's questionable" as a standalone statement. Always support your skepticism with reasoning or evidence to strengthen your argument and avoid sounding dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's questionable" functions as an evaluative expression, allowing the speaker or writer to introduce doubt or uncertainty regarding a statement, action, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's questionable" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for expressing doubt or inviting critical examination. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional contexts as well. When using this phrase, support your skepticism with evidence to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives like "it is doubtful" or "it is uncertain" can add subtle variations to your expression of doubt. Therefore, "it's questionable" is a valuable tool for nuanced communication, provided it's used thoughtfully and supported with reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is doubtful

Focuses more directly on the feeling of doubt surrounding something.

it is uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of certainty or predictability.

it is dubious

Implies a stronger sense of suspicion or untrustworthiness.

it is debatable

Highlights that the point is open to argument or discussion.

it is open to doubt

Directly states that something is not considered reliable.

there are doubts

Shifts the focus to the existence of doubts rather than a direct assessment.

it is contestable

Indicates that the validity of something can be disputed.

it remains to be seen

Suggests that the outcome or truth is not yet known and will become clear later.

one may wonder

Introduces a sense of pondering or speculation.

it is far from certain

Stresses the significant lack of assurance or definiteness.

FAQs

How can I use "it's questionable" in a sentence?

Use "it's questionable" to express doubt or uncertainty about a particular claim or situation. For example, "It's questionable whether the proposed solution will address the root cause of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "it's questionable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is doubtful", "it is uncertain", or "it is debatable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it's questionable" formal or informal?

"It's questionable" is generally considered suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. However, in highly formal academic writing, consider using more precise language to express your skepticism.

What's the difference between "it's questionable" and "it's doubtful"?

While both express uncertainty, "it's questionable" suggests something is open to debate or scrutiny, while "it's doubtful" implies a stronger leaning towards disbelief. The choice depends on the degree of skepticism you wish to convey.