questionable fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of information that is uncertain or lacks credibility. Example: "The study presented a questionable fact that contradicted established research in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Redwood told BBC News that Lib Dem leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was "too shouty" and relied on "questionable facts and figures".

BBC

A romance ensues during which any number of questionable facts about Georgie emerge.

Huffington Post

The process is far too long, uses questionable "facts," relies on negative campaigning and wastes too damn much money.

Huffington Post

The Design Review Boards and the Glendale Historical Society should try to assist homeowners with timely guidance and trustworthy information instead of imposing adverse rulings or issuing questionable facts.

Los Angeles Times

Generally it is a good idea to avoid using websites that have questionable facts or out-of-date information for your research.

WikiHow

A lot more questionable, in fact.

Huffington Post

If the latter argument is considered valid, then the likelihood of the 48% reduction in melanoma mortality in 2003 2008 reported for Schleswig Holstein is questionable: in fact, both mortality reduction and its association with screening are questionable.

BMJ Open

However, as the distribution of Aotus species were not clearly delimited, their identification is questionable; in fact Manaus is located at the confluence of the distribution of A. vociferans, A. nigriceps and A. trivirgatus.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In view of our findings, we regard attempts to strengthen primary-care without considering to revitalise the principles and values of primary health care [ 7] through a corresponding response from medical education as highly questionable; a fact which has been noted by the WHO more than 15 years ago [ 28, 29].

BMC Medical Education

According to Nicole Ulrich, these are still quite common: "The methods of questioning are in fact rather questionable.

Vice

When one weighs the paucity of evidence on marijuana's harms against the costs of obesity, diabetes and heart disease that assertion is questionable at best.In fact, the most dangerous effect of marijuana may be its known association with the increased consumption of chocolate and chips.Justin Leiby Gainesville, Florida* Letter appears online only.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable fact", ensure you provide context or evidence to support why the fact is being questioned. This adds credibility to your analysis and prevents accusations of bias.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable fact" when the information is demonstrably false. The phrase implies uncertainty, not outright falsehood. Use stronger terms like "falsehood" or "misinformation" if the fact is proven wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable fact" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "fact". It indicates that the fact in question is uncertain, doubtful, or lacks sufficient evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "questionable fact" is a grammatically sound and usable term for describing information with uncertain veracity. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for written English. Though examples are limited, suggesting infrequent usage, it appears across different contexts, including news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, provide supporting context for scrutiny to avoid bias accusations. Alternatives like "dubious assertion" or "unverified claim" may offer nuanced expressions. Although its usage isn't overwhelmingly common, "questionable fact" serves as a useful term when accuracy is not guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious assertion

Focuses on the uncertainty or doubtfulness of the claim itself, rather than just the factual basis.

unverified claim

Highlights the lack of confirmation or validation of the statement.

unsubstantiated information

Emphasizes the absence of evidence or support for the information provided.

contested data

Indicates that the data is disputed or challenged by opposing views or evidence.

tenuous evidence

Suggests that the evidence supporting the fact is weak and unconvincing.

disputable detail

Highlights the ability to debate or question specific details.

debatable point

Emphasizes the open nature of the issue, suggesting that reasonable arguments exist on both sides.

uncertain truth

Focuses on the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding the veracity of the statement.

fishy detail

Adds an element of suspicion or dishonesty to the questionable nature of the fact.

shaky ground

Suggests a metaphor for unstable reasons of the assertion.

FAQs

How can I use "questionable fact" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable fact" to describe information that is uncertain or lacks credibility. For example: "The study presented a questionable fact that contradicted established research in the field."

What's the difference between "questionable fact" and "dubious claim"?

"Questionable fact" implies uncertainty about the veracity of information. "Dubious claim" suggests the information is likely untrue or misleading. The term "dubious claim" carries a stronger connotation of disbelief.

What can I say instead of "questionable fact"?

Alternatives include "unverified claim", "unsubstantiated information", or "contested data", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "questionable fact" a formal or informal phrase?

"Questionable fact" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it adaptable for various types of writing and speech.