questionable facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable facts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or data that is uncertain, dubious, or lacks credibility. Example: "The article presented several questionable facts that raised doubts about its overall reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 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

Generally it is a good idea to avoid using websites that have questionable facts or out-of-date information for your research.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

But in political debates, there's often a questionable move from facts to a conclusion.

The New York Times

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

It is questionable whether this fact affects the adoption and whether it is reflected by the perception of the adopters.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable facts", be specific about why the facts are questionable. Provide context or evidence that raises doubts about their accuracy or reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable facts" when you have definitive proof that the facts are false. "Questionable" implies uncertainty, not outright falsehood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable facts" functions as a noun phrase, where "questionable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "facts". It denotes that the facts being referred to are not fully reliable or trustworthy. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable facts" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote facts of uncertain or dubious veracity. Ludwig confirms that this usage is suitable for various writing contexts, although its frequency is relatively rare. When using the expression, provide the context or reasoning for questioning their validity. Alternatives such as "dubious facts" or "unreliable facts" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, while acceptable, "questionable facts" should be employed thoughtfully, and the basis for questioning the facts should be clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious facts

Replaces "questionable" with "dubious", implying a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion.

disputable facts

Emphasizes that the facts are open to argument or disagreement.

unreliable facts

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness of the facts.

debatable facts

Highlights that the facts are subject to discussion and differing opinions.

uncertain facts

Stresses the lack of clarity or definiteness surrounding the facts.

contested facts

Indicates that the facts are actively challenged or opposed.

shaky facts

Suggests the facts are weak, unsupported, or easily disproven.

tenuous facts

Implies the facts are fragile or lack a strong foundation.

suspect facts

Indicates that the facts are viewed with suspicion or distrust.

unverified facts

Focuses on the lack of confirmation or validation of the facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable facts" to express doubts about the reliability or accuracy of information. For example: "The report was dismissed due to "questionable facts" and biased sources."

What's a good alternative to "questionable facts"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dubious facts", "unreliable facts", or "disputable facts", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "questionable facts" in formal writing?

Yes, "questionable facts" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure you provide justification for why the facts are being questioned to maintain credibility.

What makes a fact "questionable"?

A fact can be considered "questionable" if it lacks sufficient evidence, comes from an unreliable source, contradicts other established information, or has logical inconsistencies.