questionable individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose character, actions, or motives are uncertain or suspect. Example: "The police were investigating a questionable individual seen near the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The directive expects "strictest compliance"; "questionable individual cases" must be submitted to Heydrich's judgment.

Cornell University

"Although there were some instances of questionable individual performance, specialists generally acted in a manner consistent with their obligation to maintain fair and orderly markets and to protect investors and the public interest," the report added.

The New York Times

When the University remains open with classes in session but weather conditions remain questionable, individual DUSON faculty and/or clinical instructors (in consultation with their course coordinator) may choose to cancel their class or clinical group, with student and personal safety as the guiding principle.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Are those who risk their lives in saving questionable individuals like Andrews covered by adequate life insurance?

The New York Times

"A series of conditions were included in the contract at the direction of L.M.D.C. that prevented questionable individuals from working at this job or from having any association with John Galt," said Mr. Doctoroff, the deputy mayor.

The New York Times

The narrative floats about like an uncaptained trireme — in the Sudan, Kapuscinski meets some questionable individuals, smokes a joint with them, goes to a Louis Armstrong concert and then ponders the Nile, which gets him thinking about Herodotus — and the pectorals of his language have lost some definition.

The New York Times - Books

You're bound to come across some questionable individuals while online dating: the suave gents on OkCupid who bombard you with genitalia-filled DMs, for instance, or the Tinder users who group text all their matches.

Huffington Post

There are relatively few studies validating anthropometric measures in older and obese people; these and other confounders make anthropometric measures vulnerable to error and questionable for individual use [ 14]. > Anthropometric measures are vulnerable to error and not recommended for routine use in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Age and Ageing

Of course, such transformations from the psychological lab into the real world are highly speculative and in fact it is questionable whether individuals' belief biases can cause aggregate effects on a macroeconomic level.

Plosone

In addition, it is questionable if individuals with dentin hypersensitivity automatically seek professional help, especially when dentists themselves are lacking appropriate scientific information including prevention and treatment of hypersensitivity [ 15].

Clinical Oral Investigations

What happened to Spain went beyond the aging process, questionable tactics, and individual failings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable individual", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "dubious character" or "suspicious person" might be more appropriate depending on whether you want to emphasize untrustworthiness or potential involvement in illegal activity.

Common error

While "questionable individual" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and nuanced language to describe the person's specific flaws or actions, rather than relying on a general descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable individual" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "individual". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically serves to identify or categorize a person about whom there is some uncertainty or doubt.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionable individual" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone whose character or actions are uncertain or suspicious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly formal, it appears in various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific publications. Although it is considered a neutral phrase, considering the specific context and nuance you wish to convey is important, and you may opt for alternatives like "dubious character" or "suspicious person" to better fit your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dubious character

This alternative emphasizes the untrustworthiness of the person's nature or reputation.

Suspicious person

This term highlights the potential for wrongdoing or illegal activity.

Questionable figure

This option focuses on the person's public image and the doubts surrounding it.

Unreliable person

This phrase emphasizes the lack of dependability of the individual.

Untrustworthy individual

This highlights the lack of confidence in the person's honesty or integrity.

Problematic individual

This option emphasizes that the person is likely to create difficulties or raise concerns.

Shady character

This is a more informal way of suggesting that someone is dishonest or involved in illegal activities.

Of dubious reputation

This alternative focuses on the negative perception of the person by others.

Of questionable integrity

This points directly to doubts about the person's moral principles.

An individual of suspect motives

This emphasizes uncertainty about the person's reasons for acting in a certain way.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable individual" to describe someone whose character or actions are uncertain or suspect. For example, "The detective identified a "questionable individual" lurking near the bank before the robbery."

What can I say instead of "questionable individual"?

You can use alternatives like "dubious character", "suspicious person", or "unreliable person" depending on the specific context.

Is "questionable individual" a formal or informal phrase?

"Questionable individual" falls somewhere in the middle, but alternatives like "dubious character" might be more informal, while "individual of questionable integrity" might be considered more formal.

What connotations does "questionable individual" carry?

"Questionable individual" implies that there are doubts or concerns about the person's behavior, motives, or character. It suggests they may not be trustworthy or have good intentions.