questionable relevance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable relevance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the appropriateness or significance of information or a topic in a particular context. Example: "The study presented some findings, but their questionable relevance to our current research made it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

And even if, and it's a big if, some group, because of its value system, demands to know one thing or another of questionable relevance about a nominee, the media are not obligated to raise the question.

Huffington Post

Accompanying the blame and questionable relevance, there is confusion.

The New York Times

Endless foreign-location sequences of questionable relevance that us increasingly impecunious dupes (licence-fee payers) are bankrolling.

The Guardian

Opponents of legalization often cite this fact, though it is of questionable relevance, since living donors in the U.S. are, statistically, as healthy after surgery as anybody else.

The New Yorker

The hack uncovered family photos and the addresses of Palin friends -- of questionable relevance to any public records violation, really -- as well as what looks like proof that Palin was indeed using personal e-mail for state business.

The Guardian

Mr. Guth is a favorite of those who favor directorial boldness, but of late his productions have subjugated not only the letter of an opera but also its spirit to arching concepts of questionable relevance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

If the forecasts are sometimes questionable, the relevance of Internet statistics to consumers is even more difficult to fathom.

The New York Times - Tech

It is questionable whether relevance can be defined in terms of any percentage.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A combination of denied access and protection concerns prompted renewed effort to remain, even given questionable medical relevance.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Differences below these amounts would be of questionable clinical relevance.

BMJ Open

Meanwhile, toxicologists interviewed for this article unanimously say LC50 values have questionable ecologic relevance.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable relevance", clearly explain why the subject's relevance is being questioned. Providing context will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable relevance" when the subject is clearly irrelevant. The phrase implies some potential connection, however weak, so a stronger term like "irrelevant" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable relevance" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating doubt or uncertainty regarding the significance or connection of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing various contexts where this phrase is applied.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable relevance" is a common and grammatically correct way to express doubt or uncertainty about the importance or connection of something in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various fields, including science, news, and formal communication. When using "questionable relevance", provide context to clarify why the subject's relevance is being doubted. Alternatives include "dubious pertinence" and "limited applicability", but remember to choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious pertinence

Replaces "relevance" with "pertinence", implying a more direct and specific lack of connection.

tenuous connection

Emphasizes the weakness of the link or relationship, rather than questioning its direct relevance.

limited applicability

Focuses on the restricted practical use of something, shifting the emphasis from general relevance to usability.

debatable significance

Highlights that the importance or impact is open to discussion and not clearly established.

uncertain bearing

Suggests that the influence or effect is not clearly known or established.

arguable appropriateness

Indicates the suitability or fittingness is open to argument, rather than the direct relevance.

negligible importance

Focuses on lack of importance rather than the lack of relevance.

doubtful relationship

Emphasizes that the connection or association is uncertain or improbable.

peripheral concern

Highlights that the issue is not central or essential, implying a reduced level of relevance.

tangential link

Suggests a slight or indirect connection, moving away from direct or primary importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable relevance" to express doubt about the importance or connection of something to a particular situation. For example: "The evidence presented had "questionable relevance" to the case."

What can I say instead of "questionable relevance"?

Alternatives include "dubious pertinence", "limited applicability", or "debatable significance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "questionable relevance"?

Use "questionable relevance" when something's connection or importance is not immediately obvious or is under scrutiny. It implies a degree of uncertainty rather than outright dismissal.

What's the difference between "questionable relevance" and "irrelevant"?

"Questionable relevance" suggests there might be a weak connection or some doubt about its importance. "Irrelevant" implies there is no connection or importance whatsoever.