question the validity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question the validity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing doubts or skepticism regarding the truth or accuracy of a statement, claim, or argument. Example: "Many scientists question the validity of the research findings due to the lack of supporting evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We question the validity of the results," he said.

The New York Times

In conclusion, we seriously question the validity of both beliefs.

Research Policy

No white character shows up to question the validity of this lifestyle.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The double standard calls into question the validity of the charges made by anti-tax groups.

The New York Times

Israel must also question the validity of holding so many prisoners and for so long.

University of California, Berkeley

The consequences are visualized in "electromigration damage maps", which question the validity of empirical lifetime extrapolations.

Acta Materialia

A series of films and interactive displays will explore and sometimes question the validity of the most common theories.

The Guardian - Music

It is odd how few people question the validity of this signature, despite knowing that I am tetraplegic.

The Guardian

Working on the Guardian's Data team, my first instinct is always to question the validity of the numbers.

The Guardian

The scale of the first step was "calling into question the validity of the pilot as something to learn from".

The Guardian

Of course, a similar result may not appear – casting into question the validity of the results from the first experiment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms if "question the validity of" seems too formal or academic for your intended readers. For instance, in less formal settings, consider using phrases like "doubt the accuracy of".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "question the validity of" without offering supporting evidence or reasoning. This can make your writing appear critical without being constructive or persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question the validity of" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to express doubt or skepticism regarding the truthfulness or legitimacy of a statement, claim, or concept. It is commonly used to introduce critical analysis or to challenge established ideas, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question the validity of" is a versatile phrase used to express skepticism about the truth or legitimacy of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. While it's common across various contexts—particularly in science, news, and media—it's essential to provide context and reasoning when using it. Alternatives like "doubt the accuracy of" or "challenge the correctness of" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse without supporting evidence to maintain credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge the correctness of

Replaces "validity" with "correctness" and "question" with "challenge", emphasizing a direct confrontation of accuracy.

doubt the accuracy of

Focuses specifically on accuracy as the aspect being questioned, simplifying the phrasing.

dispute the truthfulness of

Replaces "validity" with "truthfulness", highlighting the aspect of honesty or factual correctness being doubted.

call into question the reliability of

Substitutes "validity" with "reliability", shifting the focus to the consistency and dependability of the subject in question.

express skepticism regarding the soundness of

Uses a more formal tone with "express skepticism" and focuses on the "soundness", or logical consistency, of the subject.

raise doubts about the authenticity of

Specifically targets the genuineness or originality, replacing "validity" with "authenticity".

scrutinize the legitimacy of

Shifts focus to the lawfulness or permissibility of something, using "legitimacy" in place of "validity".

take issue with the defensibility of

Emphasizes disagreement and focuses on whether something can be justified or defended.

challenge the basis for

Focuses on the foundational support or justification for a claim or argument.

cast doubt upon the veracity of

Uses a more formal tone and focuses on the truth and accuracy of something.

FAQs

How can I use "question the validity of" in a sentence?

You can use "question the validity of" to express doubt or skepticism about the accuracy or truthfulness of something. For example: "Experts "question the validity of" the study's findings due to methodological flaws".

What are some alternatives to "question the validity of"?

Alternatives include "doubt the accuracy of", "challenge the correctness of", or "dispute the truthfulness of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to "question the validity of" or "challenge the validity of"?

Both "question the validity of" and "challenge the validity of" are grammatically correct and appropriate. "Challenge" suggests a more direct and confrontational approach than "question".

When should I use "question the validity of" instead of "question the accuracy of"?

"Question the validity of" is broader, referring to the overall soundness and legitimacy. "Question the accuracy of" focuses specifically on factual correctness. Use "validity" when doubting the entire basis or method, and "accuracy" when doubting specific details or data.