this can be questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is open to doubt or scrutiny, suggesting that it may not be accepted as true or valid without further examination. Example: "The validity of the research findings is not absolute; this can be questioned based on the methodology used."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This can be questioned, however, since the impact on the forest ecosystem of an increase in harvesting NTFPs is not fully known (Gunatilake et al. 2006; Peters 1994).

Forest Ecosystems

While the wisdom of this can be questioned (cf. Bell 1999), the Refutation undoubtedly makes a useful place for us to start.

SEP

This can be questioned.

Critical Care

On the present results, this can be questioned since the ability to perform seems simply to be a normal variation independent of LBP.

BMJ Open

This can be questioned in light of the findings of a recent trial where ACE-inhibitor based therapy produced better outcomes than diuretics, particularly in elderly men [ 28].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Therefore the reliability of this simplification can be questioned.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

However, the usefulness of this approach can be questioned in terms of its adequacy for representing fingering flow and transport in unsaturated fractured rock.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The economic wisdom of this reform can be questioned but what's not in doubt is that Baird boldly created a potent line of attack for his opposition that previously had little.

The Guardian

This assumption can be questioned, however.

SEP

However, as I show later, this result can be questioned.

Plosone

In retrospect, the use of response rate as endpoint for this study can be questioned.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this can be questioned" to introduce a counterargument or to signal that a statement requires further support or evidence. It's a good way to encourage critical thinking and open discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "this can be questioned" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly skeptical or indecisive. Use it judiciously to highlight specific points that genuinely warrant further scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be questioned" primarily functions as a modal phrase used to express doubt, skepticism, or invite further examination of a statement or idea. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that something is not definitively true or valid and requires additional scrutiny. It is commonly used to introduce a counterargument or to challenge an assumption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can be questioned" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces doubt or invites scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suitability for various contexts. While relatively uncommon, it is most frequently found in science, news and media, and academia. The phrase functions as a modal to prompt critical thinking. When using "this can be questioned", aim for precision, avoid overuse, and consider more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is open to doubt

Emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of conclusive evidence.

this is debatable

Highlights the potential for differing opinions and arguments.

this is subject to scrutiny

Focuses on the need for careful and critical examination.

this warrants further investigation

Suggests that more research or inquiry is needed.

the validity of this is uncertain

Directly addresses the question of whether something is true or accurate.

this is not necessarily the case

Implies that the statement may not always be true or applicable.

this requires careful consideration

Stresses the importance of thoughtful evaluation.

there are questions surrounding this

Highlights the presence of unanswered or unresolved issues.

the reliability of this is questionable

Casts doubt on the dependability or trustworthiness of something.

this might not be accurate

Suggests a possibility of error or inaccuracy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this can be questioned"?

Alternatives include "this is debatable", "this is open to doubt", or "this is subject to scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this can be questioned" formal or informal?

The phrase "this can be questioned" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "this warrants further investigation" or "this is subject to rigorous analysis".

What does "this can be questioned" mean?

The phrase "this can be questioned" means that something is open to doubt or scrutiny. It suggests that the statement or idea may not be entirely accurate or valid and requires further examination or evidence.

How to use "this can be questioned" in a sentence?

You can use "this can be questioned" to introduce a counterargument or to express doubt about a claim. For example: "While the initial findings were promising, the long-term effects "this can be questioned" given the small sample size."