looks dodgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks dodgy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something seems suspicious or unreliable. For example: "I wouldn't trust that website—it looks dodgy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That ground floor ring looks dodgy.

Independent

But the way ahead looks dodgy.

The Economist

"Unless [the] explanation of this is much clearer [and] more credible this looks dodgy as hell by Tories [and] Libs," he tweeted.

The Guardian

Twitter has its own guide to dealing with spam in your feed, but when you do get a random link from an unknown person on your Twitter page that looks dodgy, the company suggests visiting the sender's account page.

The New York Times

The same goes for social networks as on e-mail and the Web: don't open or click on anything that looks dodgy, especially if you're on a computer that you use to access your company network or to bank online.

The New York Times

"The government still has the budget going back to surplus by 2020, but that almost looks dodgy in a way," he said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But the Marc Rich pardon looks dodgier by the day.

The Economist

But the finances look dodgy, for the same reasons that have dogged DF1.

The Economist

But just at the moment I'm tired, and the weather is looking dodgy at best.

Independent

As one of the passengers said, "Everyone agreed the men looked dodgy".

The Guardian

Even Newtown, an emphatic win, was looking dodgy at one point, according to the internal polls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or object, use "looks dodgy" to convey a sense of unease or suspicion without making a definitive accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "looks dodgy" in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "appears unreliable" or "raises concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks dodgy" functions as a descriptive expression, primarily used to convey a subjective assessment that something appears suspicious or unreliable. It follows a subject + verb + adjective structure. As Ludwig AI explains, you can use it to express that something seems suspicious or unreliable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks dodgy" is a useful expression for conveying a sense of suspicion or unreliability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be replaced with more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, reflecting its role in describing potentially untrustworthy situations or entities. Remember to use it judiciously, and always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems suspicious

Focuses on the element of suspicion, implying a lack of trust.

looks untrustworthy

Directly addresses the lack of trustworthiness.

appears unreliable

Highlights the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

seems questionable

Emphasizes doubt or uncertainty about something.

raises concerns

Indicates that something is causing worry or apprehension.

appears suspect

Highlights that something is regarded with suspicion.

gives cause for concern

Similar to "raises concerns", but slightly more formal.

smells fishy

An idiom suggesting something is not right or is deceptive.

is a bit shady

Implies something is slightly dishonest or of dubious legality.

seems off

A more general way to say something doesn't feel right.

FAQs

How can I use "looks dodgy" in a sentence?

You can use "looks dodgy" to describe something that appears suspicious or untrustworthy. For example, "That website "looks dodgy", I wouldn't enter any personal information".

What can I say instead of "looks dodgy"?

You can use alternatives like "seems suspicious", "appears unreliable", or "seems questionable" depending on the context.

Is "looks dodgy" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "looks dodgy" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives like "appears unreliable" or "raises concerns" in professional contexts.

What does "looks dodgy" imply?

"Looks dodgy" implies that something appears suspicious, untrustworthy, or unreliable. It suggests a sense of unease or doubt about the thing being described.