it looks questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about something's validity or reliability. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is not convincing; it looks questionable at best."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not clear what had happened, or what was about to happen, until Sky's Martin Tyler exclaimed: "Penalty!" It looked questionable at the time – Fowler called it "predictably dodgy" in his autobiography – but with every replay it looked a better decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Angel Pagan made it look questionable when he led off the inning with a walk, but A.J. Ellis threw him out attempting to steal.

Los Angeles Times

Now, it is looking questionable whether it will be able to successfully apply that strategy to YouTube, its biggest acquisition.

Forbes

Cash might have often beaten shares in the past, but whether it will continue to do so looks questionable when savings rates continue to plummet from already low levels.

The Guardian - Money

It might have worked for him but looks questionable for the women – even if they continued to share their lives after he died of polio.

Independent

If you notice anything that "looks" questionable or possibly hazardous, have it checked out immediately.

WikiHow

NBC canceled Undercovers, and the future of its drama, The Event, starring Blair Underwood looks questionable.

Huffington Post

That assumption now looks questionable.

The Guardian

The accounting treatment looks questionable.

The New York Times

But every decision that led to the crash now looks questionable.

The Economist

Yet in both movies and software, and in some other industries, the timing of the new idea looks questionable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks questionable" when you want to express a polite but firm doubt about something. It's suitable for professional and academic contexts where direct criticism might be inappropriate.

Common error

While acceptable, "it looks questionable" can sound vague in formal contexts. Opt for stronger, more precise language like "it lacks sufficient evidence" or "it presents inconsistencies" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks questionable" functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses a subjective assessment or opinion about something's validity or reliability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it looks questionable" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience. Stronger language might be necessary for formal writing, while softer alternatives can be used when expressing doubt politely. Due to the lack of concrete examples, the frequency of the expression is difficult to assess, but this also gives a good insight on how to write content in a comprehensive, detailed and self-sufficient way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems doubtful

Replaces "looks" with "seems" and "questionable" with "doubtful", emphasizing uncertainty.

it appears dubious

Substitutes "looks" with "appears" and "questionable" with "dubious", highlighting suspicion.

it raises concerns

Shifts the focus to the concerns that the situation generates, rather than its appearance.

it inspires skepticism

Highlights the lack of trust and encourages a critical perspective.

it is open to doubt

Emphasizes the uncertainty and the possibility of being incorrect.

it is a matter of debate

Implies there are differing opinions and no clear consensus.

it warrants further scrutiny

Suggests a need for closer examination and investigation.

it is not entirely convincing

Softens the criticism by suggesting a lack of complete persuasion.

its validity is uncertain

Focuses specifically on the uncertainty of the validity of something.

it gives cause for concern

Indicates that there are reasons to be worried or anxious.

FAQs

How can I use "it looks questionable" in a sentence?

You can use "it looks questionable" to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For instance, "The data presented "it looks questionable", so further investigation is needed."

What can I say instead of "it looks questionable"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems doubtful", "it appears dubious", or "it raises concerns" depending on the context.

Is "it looks questionable" formal or informal?

"It looks questionable" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in professional settings, more formal alternatives might be preferable for academic writing.

What's the difference between "it looks questionable" and "it seems questionable"?

The difference is subtle. "It looks questionable" focuses on the visual impression, while "it seems questionable" implies a judgment based on available information, not necessarily appearance.