it is dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is dubious" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is questionable or doubtful. You can use this phrase when expressing uncertainty or doubt about something. For example: "It is dubious whether she will be able to finish the project on time." This sentence suggests that there is doubt about the person's ability to complete the project within the given timeframe. Another example could be: "The validity of his argument is dubious." This means that the credibility or truthfulness of his argument is questionable. Overall, the phrase "it is dubious" is a concise and effective way to express skepticism or doubt about something in written English.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Furthermore, the reliability of the test is questionable because "it is dubious whether it reaches sufficiently clear conclusions".

Huffington Post

Besides, a presidential strategy is half-baked if its author decides it is dubious after its first collision with difficulty.

The Washington Post

Sberbank has a state guarantee behind its deposits—at least in theory (the legal mechanism for it is dubious).

The Economist

It is dubious history and only intermittently successful drama.

The Guardian - Film

It is dubious that the US played a hands-off role.

The Guardian

The animated movie is a good introduction to Khmer history, although some of it is dubious.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's dubious.

Cornell University

It's dubious booty.

The New Yorker

It was dubious to say the very least".

The Guardian - Sport

And it was dubious, to say the least.

The Guardian - Sport

Were hard drugs decriminalised, it's dubious that consumption would appreciably rise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is dubious" to express a polite but firm skepticism. It's suitable when you want to question something without being overly confrontational.

Common error

While versatile, "it is dubious" can sound understated in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to articulate specific concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is dubious" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a particular claim or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a way to question something without necessarily rejecting it outright. The examples showcase its use across various domains to introduce doubt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is dubious" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or skepticism, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. While suitable for various situations, more formal language may be preferred in academic writing. Related phrases like "it is questionable" and "it is doubtful" offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, aim for a polite yet firm tone. Overall, "it is dubious" serves as a valuable tool for expressing nuanced skepticism in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is questionable

Replaces "dubious" with "questionable", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty but focusing on the aspect of being open to question.

it is doubtful

Substitutes "dubious" with "doubtful", offering a direct synonym that emphasizes a lack of certainty.

it is uncertain

Replaces "dubious" with "uncertain", highlighting the lack of definitive knowledge or predictability.

it is open to doubt

Expresses the uncertainty by explicitly stating that the matter is "open to doubt".

it is suspect

Uses "suspect" instead of "dubious", suggesting a degree of distrust or suspicion.

there are doubts about it

Shifts the sentence structure to emphasize the existence of doubts.

the matter is in doubt

Presents the situation as being generally doubtful or unresolved.

it is arguable

Changes the focus to the idea that something can be argued against, implying that it isn't definitive.

it is contestable

Similar to "arguable" but emphasizing the potential for dispute or challenge.

it raises questions

Indicates that something is not entirely clear and requires further investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is dubious" to express uncertainty or doubt about a claim, statement, or situation. For example, "it is dubious whether the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "it is dubious"?

Alternatives include "it is questionable", "it is doubtful", or "it is uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is dubious" formal or informal?

"It is dubious" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for various contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

What does "it is dubious" imply?

It implies that something is not likely to be true or reliable, suggesting a degree of skepticism or doubt. The strength of the doubt can vary depending on the context.