questionable person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose character, actions, or motives are uncertain or suspect. Example: "He is known to associate with a questionable person, raising concerns about his judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead, Arizona got permission to do what local police officers all over the country already do on an ad hoc basis -- check with federal officials about a questionable person's legal status inside the United States.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If any of the answers seem questionable, that person is pulled out and interviewed more intensively.

The New York Times

"At least a quarter of all the work being outsourced to IBM was being subcontracted to Mara-ISON, and the motives look questionable," another person familiar with the investigations added.

TechCrunch

The public's safety may also be questionable, since a person was killed by one of Christo's umbrellas in 1991 in California.

The New York Times

However, offenders with mental retardation were omitted from the study since it is questionable if a person with abnormally low IQ can be scored with the PCL-R.

BMC Psychiatry

Question questionable sources.

WikiHow

Meanwhile, another person with questionable understanding of the term "abduction" is Abdelmonem Essid, chief of the country's "anti-crime unit" which is nominally affiliated with the Interior Ministry.

BBC

"Players" can describe a man who doesn't commit, but is not necessarily a person with questionable values.

Huffington Post

That means, for $35 per person, your questionable decision making can be accompanied by appetizers and a celebratory champagne toast.

Vice

So how do white people in Iowa respond when police kill a white person under questionable circumstances in a heavily white neighborhood?

Huffington Post

What's even more of a rarity is in Sylvia he gets to play three very distinct roles: a man (Tom), a woman (Phyllis) and a person of questionable gender (Leslie).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable person", ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for the questioned character or actions. Avoid using the phrase based on unsubstantiated rumors or biases.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "questionable person" without providing specific details about the person's actions or character that raise concerns. Vague language can weaken your argument and leave room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable person" functions as a noun phrase, where "questionable" is an adjective modifying the noun "person". It serves to describe someone whose character, actions, or motives are uncertain or suspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to denote a lack of trustworthiness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable person" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone whose character or actions are suspect. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it serves to express doubt or concern, it's crucial to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "dubious character" or "suspicious individual" can offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that you do not use it based on unsubstantiated rumors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious character

Replaces "questionable" with "dubious", focusing on the doubtful nature of the person's character.

untrustworthy person

Directly addresses the lack of trust associated with the individual.

suspicious individual

Emphasizes the element of suspicion associated with the person.

person of dubious repute

Highlights the person's negative or uncertain reputation.

shady figure

Implies a hidden or secretive aspect to the person's nature.

disreputable character

Focuses on the lack of respectability or honor in the person's character.

unreliable individual

Indicates a lack of dependability or consistency in the person's actions.

problematic individual

Highlights the challenges or difficulties associated with the person.

suspect

Shortened version focusing on the suspicion.

fishy character

Informal alternative implying something is not right or honest about the person.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable person" to describe someone whose integrity or motives are in doubt. For example, "He associated with a "questionable person", raising concerns among his colleagues."

What's a more formal way to say "questionable person"?

More formal alternatives include "person of dubious repute" or "suspicious individual".

Are there any negative connotations associated with "questionable person"?

Yes, "questionable person" typically carries negative connotations, implying that the individual is not trustworthy or has a flawed character. Be mindful of this when using the phrase.

What is the difference between ""questionable person"" and "suspect"?

"Questionable person" is a more general term, while "suspect" often implies someone is suspected of a crime or wrongdoing. "Suspect" is more specific in its implication.