it was dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express uncertainty or skepticism about something that has been stated or done. Example: "The evidence presented in the report was dubious, leading us to question its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Though a treaty was signed by some leaders from the Sioux tribes, its legitimacy (including whether the Sioux understood it) was dubious and ultimately his efforts did little to establish the authority of the U.S. in the area.

Wikipedia

It was dubious to say the very least".

The Guardian - Sport

And it was dubious, to say the least.

The Guardian - Sport

But even before the Jordan investigation began, Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti, who had ordered it, was dubious about the merits of the case.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, he had launched the sudden attack on Denmark in 1643; the morality of it was dubious, but at Brömsebro in 1645 he was able to dictate a peace that wiped out the humiliations suffered at Knäred in 1613.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"First they were trying to pretend to be all friendly – 'We're just trying to find out about these [anti-fascist-organised] coaches [to Dover], mate' – but I could tell straight away that it was dubious.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

Huffington Post

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

The Economist

It's dubious booty.

The New Yorker

It is dubious history and only intermittently successful drama.

The Guardian - Film

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was dubious", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being doubted. Providing specific reasons or evidence for your skepticism strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it was dubious" as a standalone statement without explaining why something is questionable. Always provide context or supporting information to clarify your skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dubious" functions as a subjective assessment expressing uncertainty or doubt about something. It's typically used to cast doubt on a claim, action, or situation, indicating a lack of confidence in its validity or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was dubious" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various sources. While suitable for a range of contexts, ensure you provide sufficient context when expressing your doubt. Alternatives like "it seemed questionable" or "it appeared suspect" offer similar nuanced ways to express reservations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed questionable

Focuses on the appearance of being doubtful or uncertain.

it appeared suspect

Emphasizes the aspect of raising suspicion or distrust.

it seemed unlikely

Highlights the low probability of something being true or happening.

it felt precarious

Suggests a sense of instability or risk.

it was far from certain

Underlines the absence of assurance or definiteness.

it raised doubts

Indicates that something caused feelings of uncertainty or disbelief.

it bordered on implausible

Suggests that something was nearing the point of being unbelievable.

it smacked of deceit

Implies a strong sense of dishonesty or trickery.

it verged on the impossible

Emphasizes how close something was to being unachievable.

it lacked credibility

Indicates that something was not believable or trustworthy.

FAQs

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

Use "it was dubious" to express skepticism or uncertainty about a statement, action, or situation. For instance, "The claim that the product would revolutionize the industry, "it was dubious", given the lack of supporting evidence."

What are some alternatives to "it was dubious"?

Alternatives include "it seemed questionable", "it appeared suspect", or "it seemed unlikely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it was dubious" or "it seemed dubious"?

Both "it was dubious" and "it seemed dubious" are grammatically correct. "It was dubious" directly states your skepticism, while "it seemed dubious" suggests a perception of doubt. Choose based on the emphasis you want to create.

What is the difference between "it was dubious" and "it was doubtful"?

"It was dubious" implies uncertainty or skepticism based on some evidence or reason. "It was doubtful" suggests a stronger sense of disbelief or a low probability of being true. While similar, "it was doubtful" conveys a greater degree of disbelief.