very questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or uncertainty about the validity or reliability of something. Example: "The results of the study are very questionable, as the sample size was too small to draw any significant conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hillary Clinton's backing from blacks should not be a given, it should be a question mark given the very questionable past the Clintons have with Black America.

HuffPost

Very questionable flag.

The New York Times

It is very questionable".

The New York Times - Sports

She added: "It is all very questionable".

The Guardian - Sport

"Unfortunately, the commercial assessments are very questionable".

The New York Times

And the solution was very questionable.

The New York Times

"It was a very, very questionable maneuver".

The New York Times

"You're talking to a very questionable character here," another said.

The New Yorker

However, there are also some very questionable ones.

The New York Times

Some are based on very questionable science, or no science.

The New York Times

The efficiency of a no-fly zone is very questionable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very questionable", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "dubious" or "uncertain" can provide a more precise meaning depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "very questionable" as a generic term for anything you disagree with. Instead, provide specific reasons why something is questionable to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very questionable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express doubt or uncertainty about its validity or reliability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very questionable" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase expressing doubt or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While its frequency is high, remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context supports the specific nuance you intend to convey. Alternatives like ""highly dubious"" or ""extremely uncertain"" might offer a more precise meaning in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely questionable

Highlights a real or authentic basis for questioning something.

very doubtful

Indicates a strong feeling of disbelief or skepticism.

highly dubious

Emphasizes a strong sense of doubt and incredulity, suggesting something is likely untrue or unreliable.

somewhat dubious

Suggests a moderate level of doubt or uncertainty.

extremely uncertain

Highlights the lack of predictability or definiteness associated with something.

deeply suspect

Highlights the untrustworthiness or unreliability of something.

quite suspicious

Suggests a belief that something is not as it appears and may be connected to wrongdoing.

rather problematic

Focuses on the difficulties and issues caused by something.

highly disputable

Implies that something is open to disagreement and lacks solid evidence.

decidedly ambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "very questionable" to express doubt about the validity or reliability of something, such as "The politician's claims about economic growth are "very questionable" given the current recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "very questionable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "highly dubious", "extremely uncertain", or "quite suspicious".

Is it better to say "highly questionable" or "very questionable"?

Both "very questionable" and "highly questionable" are acceptable, but "highly questionable" might sound slightly more formal or emphatic.

What does it mean when something is described as "very questionable"?

When something is described as "very questionable", it means there are significant doubts or concerns about its truth, validity, or appropriateness.