questionable practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that raises doubts about its appropriateness or ethicality. Example: "The company's questionable practice of cutting corners to save costs has raised concerns among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Leaving aside for the moment the questionable practice of digitizing these films, the 13 portraits are fascinating period artifacts.

The New York Times - Arts

The new firm, in turn, would have an interest in disclosing and disclaiming responsibility for any questionable practice allowed by its predecessor.

The New York Times

Acorn is uniquely susceptible to these kinds of problems because it engages in the questionable practice of paying its organisers by the number of people they register.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our school structures are anything but transparent and simple and there have been enough scandals, questionable practice and warnings from the National Audit Office to ring loud alarm bells.

The Guardian

Yet since its foundation in 1976, the clinic has produced no peer-reviewed evidence that its wares actually work, and charges patients colossal amounts of money to undergo clinical trials, which is an ethically questionable practice.

The Guardian

If we are to continue the questionable practice of considering political expenditures "free speech," then we should be allowed to contribute only to congressional candidates campaigning in our home district.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A story that calls into question the already questionable practices of an encyclopedia website.

Huffington Post

"I'm sure there are questionable practices.

The New York Times - Arts

And that, in turn, leads to some questionable practices.

The New York Times

It's a place plagued by questionable practices".

The New York Times

The internal memorandums charge that part of that success, at least, was built on questionable practices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable practice", be specific about why the practice is questionable. Provide context or evidence to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable practice" as a vague accusation. Ensure you have valid reasons and can articulate them clearly to avoid weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable practice" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "questionable" modifies the noun "practice". It describes a specific type of action or method that is subject to doubt or disapproval. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable practice" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes an action or method subject to doubt or disapproval. According to Ludwig, its versatility is evident in its prevalence across diverse sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and business documents. Related phrases such as "dubious practice" and "suspect practice" offer nuanced alternatives. When employing "questionable practice", clarity is paramount; providing specific reasons for the assessment strengthens its impact. While suitable for various registers, it is crucial to avoid vague accusations and ensure well-supported arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dubious practice

Emphasizes the uncertainty or doubtfulness of the practice.

Suspect practice

Suggests the practice is potentially unreliable or untrustworthy.

Ethically problematic practice

Specifically highlights the ethical concerns associated with the practice.

Improper practice

Focuses on the non-compliance with established rules or standards.

Unethical practice

Indicates a clear violation of ethical principles.

Controversial practice

Highlights the divisiveness or debate surrounding the practice.

Disreputable practice

Suggests the practice damages the reputation or credibility of those involved.

Shady practice

Implies a degree of secrecy or dishonesty associated with the practice.

Dodgy practice

Indicates the practice is potentially unsafe or unreliable.

Unsound practice

Suggests the practice is flawed or unreliable.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable practice" to describe actions or behaviors that raise doubts about their appropriateness or ethicality. For example: "The company's "dubious practice" of cutting corners to save costs has raised concerns among consumers."

What are some alternatives to "questionable practice"?

Alternatives include "dubious practice", "suspect practice", or "ethically problematic practice", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "questionable practice" and "unethical practice"?

"Questionable practice" implies doubt or uncertainty about the appropriateness of a behavior, while "unethical practice" suggests a clear violation of ethical principles.

Is "questionable practice" a formal or informal term?

"Questionable practice" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.