questioning that

USAGE SUMMARY

'questioning that' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when making a comparison or drawing attention to something that one might find strange or peculiar. For example, "I'm questioning that decision given the past successes of this company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And he seemed to be questioning that".

The New York Times

Some experts are now questioning that policy.

The New York Times - Science

So I'm questioning that, why should that be?

The Economist

Rich was questioning that, not just accepting it.

The New York Times - Sports

"A lot of people were questioning that," Breeden said.

The New York Times - Sports

No one is questioning that French television contains sexually explicit programming.

The New York Times

And Sanford F. Young, a lawyer, successfully fought a ticket by questioning that level of accuracy.

The New York Times

"They provide a criticism and questioning that is very valuable to us.

The Guardian

A few years ago, Chinese legal scholars began questioning that system, even calling for its abolition.

The New York Times

But a growing chorus of analysts and economists is questioning that notion.

The New York Times

Although rumors questioning that are circulating on the Internet, most geneticists believe it is correct.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questioning that" to introduce a counter-argument or to express skepticism about a previously stated idea. This helps to create a balanced and critical discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "questioning that" when you simply need to clarify a point. Use it when you genuinely doubt or challenge the validity or accuracy of something, not just to seek more information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioning that" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate that introduces doubt or scrutiny towards a specific claim or assertion. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questioning that" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or challenge an assertion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across various writing contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business communications, indicating its broad applicability. When used in academic writing, consider using stronger alternatives such as "challenging that" or "examining that". Remember to use "questioning that" when there is genuine doubt, not just seeking clarification. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for critical thinking and balanced discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubting that

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of uncertainty or disbelief regarding something.

challenging that

This suggests a more active opposition or disputing of a claim or idea.

disputing that

Similar to 'challenging that', but can imply a more formal or legal context.

investigating that

This shifts the focus to a more neutral examination or inquiry into something.

examining that

Similar to 'investigating that', but may suggest a more detailed and careful analysis.

pondering that

Indicates a thoughtful consideration, often with some degree of uncertainty.

inquiring into that

More formal way of saying 'investigating'.

expressing doubt about that

A more verbose alternative that clearly conveys the feeling of uncertainty.

casting doubt on that

Emphasizes the act of creating uncertainty or suspicion around something.

expressing reservations about that

Suggests a more cautious or hesitant form of disagreement or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "questioning that" in a sentence?

You can use "questioning that" to express doubt or challenge a statement, such as in "I am questioning that assumption given the new evidence".

What is a more formal alternative to "questioning that"?

A more formal alternative to "questioning that" could be "challenging that" or "disputing that", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "questioning that" in academic writing?

While acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "investigating that" or "examining that" to maintain a formal tone. Ensure your questioning is supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "questioning that" and "doubt that"?

"Questioning that" implies a more active and critical approach, whereas "doubt that" simply expresses uncertainty. "I'm questioning that policy" suggests you're actively scrutinizing it, while "I doubt that policy" means you're not convinced of its effectiveness.