less dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of doubt or uncertainty regarding a statement, claim, or situation, indicating that something is more credible or reliable than another. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is less dubious than the claims made by the opposing party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He is no less dubious about Pepperberg's work.

The New Yorker

The argument Alexander advances is no less dubious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Partly to think about whether the stories we tell about our past are any less dubious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Under the terms of the settlement, Skechers is still allowed to sell its toning shoes and make fitness claims about them, albeit less dubious ones.

The New York Times

Silver did say, in January, that he had become less dubious about Trump's prospects because Republican élites weren't doing much to combat his candidacy.

The New Yorker

But Pakistan is a sovereign state and an embattled ally; a far more attractive state and a far less dubious ally than Russia was in the Second World War.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It has redone its sums, relying more on data from annual surveys and less on dubious rules of thumb.

The Economist

I've been running through different New York neighborhoods for seven years, sometimes seeking out less populated, more dubious routes in exchange for a few moments of solitude.

The New York Times

In 1992, the Times reported on a document called "The Manhattan Project," which identified a serious problem facing the Clinton campaign: Voters didn't seem to like Bill, liked Hillary less and were dubious about their marriage.

The New York Times

Companies that respond to our intentions will reap larger profit, waste less money on dubious advertising initiatives, and enjoy real customer loyalty.

TechCrunch

One simple fix to this mess is to reduce Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements for higher-priced drugs, as well as for less critical or dubious procedures.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less dubious" when comparing two options or claims, indicating that one is more reliable or credible than the other. For instance, "The second explanation is less dubious than the first."

Common error

While "less dubious" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using stronger alternatives like "more credible" or "more reliable" in formal writing to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dubious" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a reduced level of doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less dubious" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase that expresses a reduced level of doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, though stronger alternatives might be preferred in more formal settings. Its frequency is common, appearing primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts. While "less dubious" is widely understood, being mindful of the context and considering alternatives like "more credible" or "more reliable" can further enhance clarity and impact in writing. Using "less dubious" effectively involves comparing two elements to suggest a difference in their trustworthiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less questionable

Directly addresses the reduction of doubt or uncertainty.

more credible

Emphasizes increased believability.

less suspect

Highlights the reduction in suspicion or distrust.

more plausible

Highlights increased likelihood or possibility.

more convincing

Focuses on the ability to persuade or impress.

more believable

Highlights that something is easier to believe.

more reliable

Stresses the dependability and trustworthiness of information.

more trustworthy

Focuses on the reliability of a source or claim.

less problematic

Focuses on the reduction of issues or difficulties.

more assured

Suggests a greater sense of certainty or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "less dubious" in a sentence?

Use "less dubious" to compare two things, indicating one is more credible. For example, "The revised data appears "less dubious" than the original estimates."

What's a good alternative to "less dubious"?

Alternatives include "more credible", "more reliable", or "less questionable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less dubious"?

Yes, "less dubious" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate something is more trustworthy or believable compared to something else.

What is the difference between "dubious" and "less dubious"?

"Dubious" implies doubt or uncertainty. "Less dubious" suggests a reduced level of doubt, indicating something is more credible than something else without being completely certain.