it was sketchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sketchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is suspicious, unreliable, or lacking in clarity or detail. Example: "The deal seemed too good to be true; there were too many unanswered questions, and overall, it was sketchy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was sketchy.

The New York Times

It was sketchy about plans for transformation and appeared to learn little from good practice in Scotland and Ireland.

The Guardian

it was sketchy, but not 'terrible.' QUESTION FROM GUEST: Speaking of your travels: what's one place you'd like to return to and do a follow-up article about?

The New Yorker

"It was sketchy," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said, adding, "It was tough for me out there, because I didn't know who was healthy or who felt good out there".

The New York Times - Sports

It was sketchy at times because undercover police were always about.

Vice

It was sketchy at times because undercover police were always around.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was sketchier and more dangerous," he told me.

Vice

It is sketchy and incomplete, but its disparate pieces show a group of seemingly well-educated young men who slipped into the country and settled into bland suburban lives while they gained just enough training as pilots to take control of a passenger jet in midair.

The New York Times

"Yeah, maybe it's sketchy.

The Guardian

It's sketchy to bring booze (unbidden) to a baby party.

The New York Times

The Reuters Institute argues TV news must reform or die, but it is sketchy about how.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sketchy" to describe situations, plans, or information that lack detail, appear unreliable, or feel potentially unsafe or untrustworthy. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts where a direct, slightly understated expression is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it was sketchy" in highly formal or professional settings where a more precise and nuanced description is required. Opt for alternatives like "it was unreliable" or "the details were incomplete" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sketchy" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation, plan, or piece of information as potentially unreliable or incomplete. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and general correctness, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was sketchy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that appears unreliable, incomplete, or suspicious. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts, avoiding highly formal settings where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives like "it was dubious" or "it was unreliable" may be more appropriate in those situations. The phrase's primary function is to express doubt or unease, cautioning against potential risks or uncertainties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was dubious

Replaces "sketchy" with a more formal term implying doubt or suspicion.

it was questionable

Similar to "dubious" but slightly less formal, suggesting uncertainty.

it was suspicious

Directly indicates a sense of mistrust or unease.

it was fishy

A more informal and colloquial way to say something seemed wrong or untrustworthy.

it was unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

it was incomplete

Highlights the lack of essential details or information.

it was vague

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision.

it was flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or solidity, implying weakness.

it was tenuous

Indicates a weak or uncertain connection or basis.

it was ambiguous

Highlights the uncertainty and openness to multiple interpretations.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was sketchy" to describe something that seems unreliable, incomplete, or suspicious. For example, "The deal seemed too good to be true; it was sketchy."

What can I say instead of "it was sketchy"?

You can use alternatives like "it was dubious", "it was questionable", or "it was suspicious" depending on the context.

Is "it was sketchy" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was sketchy" might be too informal for highly formal or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "it was unreliable" or "it was vague" in those situations.

What does "it was sketchy" imply?

"It was sketchy" implies that something is not entirely trustworthy or reliable, often due to a lack of detail or a sense of something being amiss. It suggests a degree of caution is warranted.