questionable conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations or circumstances that are uncertain, dubious, or potentially problematic. Example: "The project was delayed due to questionable conditions that affected the safety of the worksite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the weeks that followed some other patients died in municipal hospitals under questionable conditions.

The New Yorker

Mr. White's office, which has ordered that all drivers who obtained licenses under questionable conditions be retested, may have to test 10,000 people, Mr. Druker said.

The New York Times

After the Canadian Grand Prix was interrupted for more than two hours by torrential rain Sunday, and the race restarted in questionable conditions, it continued for nearly an hour and 15 minutes more, delivering a show that not even Barnum might have been able to dream up.

The New York Times - Sports

However, we contend that the discrepancy between biobankers' optimism for results and the questionable conditions of sustainability, planning for termination, and specimen utilization, may inadvertently undermine transparency, informed consent, and ultimately, public trust.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

The results allow us to set up a relatively simple model for the groundwater chemistry at Bryggen using three different types of water (seawater, rainwater, and "old" stagnant groundwater) and characterise areas with very good preservation conditions, and areas with more questionable conditions.

Journal of Archaeological Science

If signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, this bill would impact carnivals, circuses, and zoos around the country where these cats are held in questionable conditions.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Curry was in questionable condition even before training camp began, and now he is a week behind in learning Coach Mike D'Antoni's offense.

The New York Times - Sports

JEAN TINGUELY'S "Homage to New York" was billed as the ultimate homemade gadget -- a towering contraption composed of found junk, dismembered bicycles, dismantled musical instruments, glass bottles, a meteorological balloon and electric motors in questionable condition.

The New York Times

Manor-esque homes of tree-lined streets leading to Alexandra Park, epicentre of Manchester's Victorian heyday, were snapped up by opportunistic landlords and converted to bedsits of questionable condition, then occupied by students and artists (the band James formed there in 1982, and Velvet Underground collaborator Nico spent much of the decade there).

The Guardian

These countries, along with Zimbabwe, whose elephant herd is in a more questionable condition, are lobbying to start trading in elephant products (mainly ivory, but also skins and meat) once again.Even a minimal legal trade would encourage a massive illegal trade, in the view of Kenya's governmentThey are not asking for the ban to be lifted completely.

The Economist

Paved roads are in short supply, and questionable condition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable conditions", ensure that the context provides enough information to understand what makes the conditions questionable. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable conditions" as a generic term for anything negative. Always provide context or explanation as to why the conditions are questionable to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable conditions" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate doubt, uncertainty, or suspicion about the state or circumstances being described. As Ludwig AI explains, it's correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing hospital conditions or working environments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable conditions" serves to describe situations or circumstances that are doubtful, uncertain, or potentially problematic. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in English, signaling potential risks or uncertainties. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While not overly common, its usage is consistent, advising caution and further examination. When using this phrase, providing specific context is essential to avoid vagueness and maintain clarity. Related phrases include "dubious circumstances" and "uncertain situations". In summary, the proper usage of "questionable conditions" enhances clarity by explicitly stating an alert that warrants deeper insight. It should not be used as a broad substitute for negative conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious circumstances

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential untrustworthiness of the situation.

uncertain situations

Highlights the lack of clarity and predictability surrounding the events.

suspect circumstances

Emphasizes the likelihood of something being wrong or illegal.

shady dealings

Specifically implies dishonesty or illegal activity is involved.

fishy situations

Informal way to indicate something seems untrustworthy or suspicious.

iffy conditions

Casual term to express uncertainty and potential risk.

tenuous circumstances

Indicates that the situation is fragile and easily disrupted.

precarious state

Highlights the instability and danger associated with the conditions.

unreliable state of affairs

Suggests a lack of dependability and potential for negative outcomes.

debatable situations

Highlights the fact that a situation may be questioned and is not certain.

FAQs

How can I replace "questionable conditions" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "dubious circumstances", "uncertain situations", or "suspect circumstances" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as having "questionable conditions"?

Yes, the phrase "questionable conditions" typically implies doubt, uncertainty, or that something is not entirely trustworthy or acceptable. It carries a negative connotation.

What is the difference between "questionable conditions" and "uncertain conditions"?

"Questionable conditions" implies doubt or suspicion about the validity or safety of something, while "uncertain conditions" simply means the conditions are not known or predictable. The former carries a more negative connotation.

How to use "questionable conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable conditions" to describe situations where the circumstances are not clear or reliable, such as "The experiment was conducted under questionable conditions, which may affect the results."