not so dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is less questionable or uncertain than it might initially seem. Example: "While the proposal had its flaws, the overall plan was not so dubious that we couldn't consider it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The End of the Tour isn't so dubious: it restages the conversations between a Rolling Stone reporter, David Lipsky Jesse Eisenbergg), and a feted author, the late David Foster Wallace Jason Segell).

The Guardian - Film

Not only that, you will fantasize of some future time when your credit history isn't so dubious and you have a home that needs all the available flooring, counter space, window treatments and tile.

The New York Times

But voyeurs, beware: "American Undercover Sundays," the 11-installment documentary series recently given the not-so-dubious distinction of becoming the tough act that follows "The Sopranos," is not for lightweights.

The New York Times

But to refuse seemed equally queer The problem quickly showed itself to be not so much the dubious domestic behavior of Argentina as the dubious function of the league... From a dicatator's point of view, there is a certain advantage in having one's country represented in an international organization, provided the organization is simply a league held together with promises.

The New Yorker

There would be a touch of schadenfreude in seeing so many celebrities fooled, if there were not so many ethically dubious aspects to the story.

The Guardian - Film

Not so much apprehensive as dubious.

The Guardian

Not so with OxyContin, a dubious affair from the start.

HuffPost

I would not so extend the more than dubious Van Zant doctrine.

Cornell University

As every lawyer knows, the bar exam is a dubious exercise, measuring not so much the skills of law practice as the ability to cram.

The New Yorker

Not so long ago, it was considered ethically dubious for a judge of a high court even to cast a dissenting vote.

The New York Times

The new play "Oliver Parker!" at the Cherry Lane Theater might qualify as offensive — certainly it strives mightily for that dubious laurel — if it were not so patently artificial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not so dubious", ensure the context provides a clear contrast to an initial perception of something being questionable.

Common error

Avoid stacking "not so dubious" with other negative qualifiers, which can create confusing or unclear sentences. Aim for direct and concise phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so dubious" functions as an adjectival modifier. It serves to qualify the degree to which something is doubtful or questionable. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so dubious" serves as a subtle tool to express reduced uncertainty or doubt, rather than outright dismissal or acceptance. As noted by Ludwig AI, its correct usage enhances written English by allowing for nuanced assessments. Common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone, making it versatile for various writing styles. When using "not so dubious", aim for clarity and avoid stacking it with other negative qualifiers to maintain the effectiveness and readability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as doubtful

Directly contrasts with "dubious", indicating a reduced level of doubt.

somewhat credible

Expresses a moderate level of believability, implying less doubt than "dubious".

somewhat plausible

Expresses a moderate level of plausibility, suggesting a reduced degree of dubiousness.

slightly questionable

Indicates a minor degree of doubt or uncertainty, the opposite of being confident.

not quite as uncertain

Highlights a decrease in uncertainty, implying more confidence than before.

not entirely certain

Conveys a lack of complete certainty, implying some level of doubt still exists.

less suspicious

Suggests a decrease in suspicion or distrust, making something appear more acceptable.

less open to doubt

Indicates that something is more resistant to being doubted or questioned.

partially believable

Suggests that only some aspects are worthy of belief, reducing the overall dubiousness.

not so far-fetched

Implies that something is more plausible or realistic than initially perceived.

FAQs

How can I use "not so dubious" in a sentence?

Use "not so dubious" to express that something is less questionable or uncertain than it might initially seem. For example: "While the proposal had its flaws, the overall plan was "not so dubious" that we couldn't consider it further."

What are some alternatives to "not so dubious"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat credible", "slightly questionable", or "less suspicious" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not so dubious"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "not so" as an adverbial modifier to lessen the impact of the adjective "dubious", indicating a reduction in doubt or uncertainty.

What is the register or formality level of "not so dubious"?

The phrase "not so dubious" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. While not overly formal, it avoids being overly casual, making it appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.