slightly questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that raises minor doubts or concerns about its validity or appropriateness. Example: "The data presented in the report is slightly questionable, as it lacks proper citations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We did not take any even slightly questionable clients".

The New York Times

Both of them illuminate the slightly questionable theme that people's characters improve if they get a little drunk.

The New Yorker

And he's having to face up to some slightly questionable behaviour that he exhibited before he got fired.

The Guardian

In another strange and slightly questionable financial tie-in, the event, comically named the 'Big Bang in Pyongyang', was due to be sponsored by book makers Paddy Power.

Independent

When I was growing up, people who owned buildings (or even a single building) seemed slightly questionable if not outright shifty.

The New York Times

Roxbury was a little louche -- it felt more like New York than L.A., which was part of its appeal -- and Samaha developed a slightly questionable reputation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

---November Atlantic unvever-so-slightlyslightly questionable redesign while remaining a gem of a publication.

Huffington Post

It becomes slightly more questionable when you don't have a United Nations security council resolution and you're operating in another country".

The Guardian

Some hit the nail on the head and recognised the wider issues at play, whereas some believe the reason the list is light on females is the result of slightly more questionable causes.

Vice

Some hit the nail on the head and recognized the wider issues at play, whereas some believe the reason the list is light on females is the result of slightly more questionable causes.

Vice

Question questionable sources.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly questionable" when you want to express a mild level of doubt or concern without being overly critical. It's suitable for situations where something isn't clearly wrong, but raises some flags.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly questionable" too frequently in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, overuse can weaken your argument. Consider more precise and nuanced language to express your concerns, depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly questionable" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It expresses a mild degree of doubt or uncertainty about the noun it describes. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly questionable" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for indicating mild doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in formal writing. The analysis reveals its frequent usage in News & Media, suggesting a neutral tone. Related phrases like "somewhat dubious" or "a bit suspect" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, while avoiding overuse of the original phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat dubious

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat" and "questionable" with "dubious", indicating a similar level of uncertainty.

a bit suspect

Uses more informal language, suggesting something is not entirely trustworthy.

marginally suspect

Emphasizes the small degree to which something is questionable.

open to doubt

Highlights that something is not certain and can be questioned.

subject to scrutiny

Indicates that something needs to be carefully examined due to potential issues.

somewhat uncertain

Shifts the focus to uncertainty rather than questioning validity.

debatable to some extent

Indicates that the topic is open to discussion and different opinions.

a little iffy

Uses very informal language to express uncertainty or risk.

of uncertain validity

Focuses on the lack of assured truth or correctness.

potentially problematic

Highlights the potential for issues or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly questionable" to express mild doubt about something. For example, "The data presented in the report is slightly questionable, as it lacks proper citations."

What's the difference between "slightly questionable" and "very questionable"?

"Slightly questionable" indicates a minor level of doubt or concern, while "very questionable" suggests a more serious or significant issue.

What can I say instead of "slightly questionable"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat dubious", "a bit suspect", or "marginally suspect" depending on the context.

Is "slightly questionable" formal or informal?

"Slightly questionable" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain academic or professional settings.