should be questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something is open to doubt or requires further examination or scrutiny. Example: "The validity of the research findings should be questioned, as the methodology was not clearly defined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yeffet: Every passenger should be questioned.

MIT Technology Review

That argument should be questioned, too, though.

The New Yorker

This imbalance should be questioned and not celebrated.

The New York Times

"We do not think that our credibility should be questioned".

The New York Times

The common assumption that medically unexplained pain is of psychological origin should be questioned.

Pain

The practice of nonclosure of the parietal peritoneum at cesarean delivery should be questioned.

Stanford University

I think they should be questioned by some of our people..

Cornell University

Members of Parliament have also said that Mr. Morgan should be questioned.

The New York Times

But the view that they are an irreconcilable, rigidly ideological enemy should be questioned.

The New York Times

The reason why it should have occurred is what should be questioned".

The New York Times

— Wilburn Smith III Mr. Smith: Yes, I think Democrats should be questioned about their faith, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be questioned", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is being doubted or scrutinized. Be specific about the reasons for questioning.

Common error

Avoid using "should be questioned" in contexts where a direct assertion is more appropriate. Overusing it can weaken your argument and create unnecessary ambiguity. Instead of saying "This policy should be questioned", if you strongly believe it's flawed, state: "This policy is flawed and requires revision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be questioned" functions as a modal passive construction. It suggests that a subject (an idea, a statement, a person's action) warrants doubt, scrutiny, or further investigation. Ludwig AI shows its broad applicability across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be questioned" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt, suggest scrutiny, or prompt further investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its high frequency in news, science, and academic sources makes it a reliable choice for expressing critical assessment. While alternatives such as "needs to be examined" or "warrants further investigation" may offer nuanced variations, "should be questioned" remains a direct and effective way to encourage critical thinking. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context clearly indicates the subject and reason for questioning, and avoiding overuse in assertive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be challenged

Indicates a need to confront or dispute an idea or statement.

needs to be examined

Focuses on the necessity of a careful and detailed inspection.

is subject to scrutiny

Indicates that something is being carefully examined for potential flaws.

deserves closer inspection

Highlights the requirement for a more detailed and thorough review.

warrants further investigation

Emphasizes the need for a deeper and more formal inquiry.

requires validation

Emphasizes the need for confirmation and proof of accuracy.

is open to doubt

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of confidence in something.

invites skepticism

Implies that something naturally causes doubt or disbelief.

merits consideration

Suggests that something is worthy of attention and careful thought.

is worthy of debate

Suggests that a topic or idea is suitable for discussion and argument.

FAQs

How can I use "should be questioned" in a sentence?

Use "should be questioned" to suggest that something is doubtful or requires further examination. For example, "The validity of the research findings "should be questioned" due to methodological flaws."

What are some alternatives to "should be questioned"?

Alternatives include "needs to be examined", "is open to doubt", or "warrants further investigation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "should be questioned" or "needs questioning"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Should be questioned" suggests a recommendation or necessity for questioning, while "needs questioning" implies a more urgent or immediate requirement.

What's the difference between "should be questioned" and "must be questioned"?

"Should be questioned" suggests a recommendation or advisability for questioning, whereas "must be questioned" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. "Must be questioned" is more forceful and indicates a critical requirement.