questioning the validity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questioning the validity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing doubts or skepticism regarding the truth or reliability of a statement, claim, or argument. Example: "The researchers are questioning the validity of the previous study's findings due to inconsistencies in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That question is the ever-present constant reminder questioning the validity of my existence.

Huffington Post

Questioning the validity of a marriage does.

The New York Times

We're all just questioning the validity of his actions".

The New York Times

Time and again, I found myself questioning the validity of points made in this book.

The Guardian

The US Secretary of State questioning the validity of Mr Mugabe's landslide election victory.

Independent

Ballesteros countered by questioning the validity of Azinger's drop after finding water at the last.

Independent

Several states have issued disclaimers to students questioning the validity of evolution, claiming it is riddled with gaps.

The New York Times

And, most tellingly, Oprah ran a series of shows questioning the validity of war as a solution to global problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

James LaForce, a fashion publicist, has encountered designers who are questioning the validity of a blockbuster show.

The New York Times

This month, the medical journal BJU International cited the lack of data in questioning the validity of the new British dress code.

The New York Times - Health

But without trivialising depression or questioning the validity of the diagnosis, it should still be possible to ask: how can this be an individual's problem?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "questioning the validity of" something, always provide specific reasons or evidence to support your skepticism. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid "questioning the validity of" broad concepts without specifying which aspects you are doubting. For example, instead of saying "questioning the validity of science", specify "questioning the validity of certain scientific studies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioning the validity of" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to express doubt or scrutiny regarding the truth or reliability of something. Examples from Ludwig showcase its role in academic discussions and news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questioning the validity of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that conveys skepticism or doubt about the truth, accuracy, or legitimacy of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly when discussing concerns about the reliability of statements, claims, or arguments. The analysis reveals its common occurrence in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it is advisable to support your skepticism with specific reasons or evidence and avoid overgeneralization. While alternatives like "challenging the authenticity of" or "doubting the veracity of" exist, "questioning the validity of" remains a direct and widely accepted expression for critical evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging the authenticity of

Replaces "validity" with "authenticity", focusing on genuineness rather than logical soundness.

doubting the veracity of

Emphasizes truthfulness by using "veracity" instead of "validity".

scrutinizing the legitimacy of

Shifts focus to lawfulness or rightfulness by using "legitimacy".

disputing the accuracy of

Highlights factual correctness by using "accuracy" instead of "validity".

contesting the soundness of

Emphasizes the reliability and strength of an argument or claim.

calling into question the reliability of

Uses a more elaborate phrasing to express doubt about trustworthiness.

expressing skepticism about the certainty of

Focuses on lack of sureness and uses a more verbose expression.

raising doubts regarding the justification for

Shifts the emphasis to the reasons or evidence supporting something.

investigating the defensibility of

Highlights the act of examining whether something can be upheld or justified.

inquiring into the tenability of

Focuses on whether something can be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

FAQs

How can I use "questioning the validity of" in a sentence?

You can use "questioning the validity of" to express doubts about the truth, accuracy, or legitimacy of something. For example, "The scientists are questioning the validity of the study's findings due to methodological flaws."

What are some alternatives to "questioning the validity of"?

Alternatives include "challenging the authenticity of", "doubting the veracity of", or "scrutinizing the legitimacy of" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "questioning the validity of"?

Yes, a more formal way to express this is "contesting the soundness of" or "inquiring into the tenability of", which are suitable for academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "questioning the validity of" and "doubting the accuracy of"?

"Questioning the validity of" implies a broader skepticism about the soundness or legitimacy of something, while "doubting the accuracy of" specifically refers to concerns about factual correctness.