needs to be questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires scrutiny or further examination. Example: "The validity of the data presented in the report needs to be questioned to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Everything needs to be questioned.

The Guardian

"You must consider her as the companion of a dangerous terrorist who needs to be questioned.

The Guardian

But the net value of the disease definition needs to be questioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like many other statements in support of spraying, this one needs to be questioned.

The New Yorker

It is the motivation of those condemning it that needs to be questioned.

Nature

Itiel Dror, a cognitive psychologist at University College, London, thinks this doctrine of infallibility needs to be questioned.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

That needed to be questioned".

The Guardian - Arts

Everything seemed like it needed to be questioned".

The Guardian

However, some of Allan Snyder's claims for "transcranial magnetic stimulation" need to be questioned.

The New York Times - Magazine

The airline said passengers might need to be questioned by authorities investigating the blaze.

The Guardian

I also have biases and prejudices and they need to be questioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be questioned", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect requires questioning. Avoid vague statements that lack a specific focus.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be questioned" as a weak form of assertion. Instead of saying "The data needs to be questioned", if you believe the data is flawed, directly state the flaw or express your doubt more assertively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be questioned" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject requires examination or critical analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing a call for scrutiny. Examples show its utility in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be questioned" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something requires scrutiny or further examination. According to Ludwig, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context is specific and that it isn't employed as a weak substitute for a direct assertion. Alternatives like "should be investigated" or "demands scrutiny" can offer different nuances depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be investigated

Replaces "needs to be" with "should be", emphasizing recommendation over necessity.

warrants further examination

Emphasizes the justification for examination rather than the need.

demands scrutiny

Conveys a strong imperative for close inspection.

is open to debate

Shifts focus to the debatable nature of the subject.

requires further consideration

Focuses on the requirement for additional thought and analysis.

is subject to inquiry

Highlights the formal process of investigation.

calls for validation

Emphasizes the need for confirming the truth or accuracy.

merits critical assessment

Highlights the importance of a detailed and evaluative review.

is ripe for reevaluation

Suggests that circumstances have changed, necessitating a fresh look.

should be challenged

Implies a need to dispute or contest the current understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be questioned" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be questioned" to suggest that something should be examined or challenged. For example, "The validity of the results "needs to be questioned" before drawing conclusions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "needs to be questioned"?

Alternatives include "should be investigated", "warrants further examination", or "demands scrutiny". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "needs to be questioned"?

The phrase itself is in the passive voice. While grammatically correct, consider whether an active construction might be more direct. For example, instead of "The policy needs to be questioned", you could say "We need to question the policy".

What does it imply when something "needs to be questioned"?

It suggests that there are potential issues, inconsistencies, or uncertainties associated with the subject. It implies a call for further investigation, analysis, or debate to determine the truth or validity of something.