somewhat dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or skepticism about something, indicating that it is not entirely trustworthy or reliable. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is somewhat dubious, raising questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may have been somewhat dubious before.

The Guardian

So, as a somewhat dubious service to posterity, here goes.

The New Yorker

But even biofuels are of somewhat dubious environmental benefit.

The Economist

It's a lovely thought, but also somewhat dubious.

The New York Times

From that somewhat dubious proposition Summit Series was born.

The New York Times

Suddenly he becomes a police hero in somewhat dubious circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

Golka uses the hangar for his Project Tesla, a somewhat dubious answer to the energy crisis.

The New Yorker

All to make the nation healthier, wealthier and wiser, and for somewhat dubious energy savings.

The New York Times

A somewhat dubious consilation the Times ran a scholarly article listing taxable things Congress has missed.

The New Yorker

To his credit, Mr. Hartnett seems somewhat dubious about all the fuss.

The New York Times

He was somewhat dubious about what he might learn from a remote event, but participation was free.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat dubious" to express a moderate level of skepticism without being overly critical. It is suitable for situations where you want to indicate doubt without making a strong accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat dubious" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as hesitant or lacking confidence. Instead, opt for more precise and assertive language to convey your doubts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat dubious" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding a nuanced layer of skepticism or uncertainty to the noun or idea it describes. It is used to express a qualification or reservation about something without outright dismissal, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat dubious" is a valuable tool for expressing moderate skepticism, as it allows you to convey doubt without being overly critical. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "somewhat dubious", ensure that your tone aligns with your intention – it's a way to signal uncertainty while keeping the door open for further evaluation. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing; more assertive language might be appropriate. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian signals its acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly questionable

Indicates a minor level of doubt or suspicion, with less intensity than "somewhat dubious".

a bit suspect

Suggests something is not entirely trustworthy, with a slightly informal tone.

rather doubtful

Emphasizes the lack of certainty, focusing more on the doubt than the degree.

mildly suspicious

Highlights the presence of suspicion, though to a limited degree.

somewhat improbable

Focuses on the low probability of something being true or accurate.

slightly unconvincing

Emphasizes the lack of persuasiveness or believability.

a touch unrealistic

Highlights the impracticality or idealism of something.

relatively uncertain

Stresses the lack of definiteness or precision.

arguably flawed

Introduces the idea that something has defects or weaknesses that can be debated.

potentially unreliable

Focuses on the possibility that something may not be dependable or accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat dubious" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat dubious" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example, "The evidence presented in the report is "somewhat dubious", raising questions about its validity."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat dubious"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly questionable", "a bit suspect", or "rather doubtful" depending on the context.

Is "somewhat dubious" formal or informal?

"Somewhat dubious" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise language may be preferred.

What's the difference between "somewhat dubious" and "very dubious"?

"Somewhat dubious" indicates a moderate level of doubt, while "very dubious" suggests a much stronger sense of skepticism or disbelief. The choice between the two depends on the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey.