C2 Expression フォーマル 2分で読める

To question the validity of

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

Use this phrase to professionally challenge the truth or logic of a claim or document.

15秒でわかる

  • Expresses doubt about the truth or legality of a statement.
  • Commonly used in academic, legal, and professional debates.
  • A polite way to challenge someone's logic or evidence.

意味

This phrase means you are expressing doubt about whether something is true, legal, or logically sound. It is like saying, 'Wait a minute, is this actually correct or even allowed?'

主な例文

3 / 6
1

In a boardroom meeting

I have to question the validity of these quarterly projections.

I have to question the validity of these quarterly projections.

💼
2

Discussing a news article with a friend

I really question the validity of that viral story you shared.

I really question the validity of that viral story you shared.

😊
3

Writing a university essay

Many scholars question the validity of his initial findings.

Many scholars question the validity of his initial findings.

👔
🌍

文化的背景

This expression is rooted in the Enlightenment tradition of skepticism and empirical evidence. It is a staple of Western legal systems and academic discourse, where challenging authority with logic is encouraged. In modern times, it has become a common phrase in 'fact-checking' culture.

💡

The 'Softener' Trick

If you want to sound less aggressive in a meeting, add 'I might' or 'One could'. For example: 'One might question the validity of these numbers.'

⚠️

Not for Feelings

Never use this for someone's personal experience or emotions. Saying 'I question the validity of your anger' makes you sound like a robot and is quite hurtful.

15秒でわかる

  • Expresses doubt about the truth or legality of a statement.
  • Commonly used in academic, legal, and professional debates.
  • A polite way to challenge someone's logic or evidence.

What It Means

To question the validity of something is to challenge its foundation. You aren't just saying you dislike an idea. You are suggesting the idea might be based on a lie or a mistake. It is the verbal version of squinting your eyes at a suspicious receipt. You are asking for proof that something is legitimate.

How To Use It

Use this when you see a flaw in someone's logic. It usually follows a noun like claims, results, or arguments. You can say, "I question the validity of that study." It sounds much more professional than saying, "I think that study is fake." It shifts the focus from the person to the facts. It is a powerful way to start a debate without being rude.

When To Use It

This is perfect for academic or professional settings. Use it during a business meeting when a colleague presents strange data. Use it in an essay to challenge an old theory. You can even use it with friends when they share a wild conspiracy theory. It works best when there is a specific document or statement to analyze. It makes you sound like a sharp, critical thinker.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this during highly emotional or personal arguments. Don't say it to your partner if they say, "I'm sad." You cannot question the validity of a feeling. That will definitely start a fight you won't win! Also, don't use it for simple preferences. If someone likes pineapple on pizza, don't question the validity of their taste. It is too heavy for small talk about food.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, critical thinking is highly valued. We are taught to look for evidence before believing something. This phrase comes from legal and scientific traditions. It reflects a culture that prefers data over blind faith. It is a polite way to be skeptical without calling someone a liar directly.

Common Variations

You might hear people say call into question or challenge the accuracy of. If you want to be more casual, you could say doubt if that's legit. In legal movies, you'll hear lawyers question the validity of the evidence. All these variations deal with the same feeling of skepticism. Choose the one that fits your current 'detective' mood.

使い方のコツ

This is a C2-level academic and professional expression. It requires a noun phrase as an object (e.g., 'the validity of X'). It is highly effective in debates to maintain a high level of decorum.

💡

The 'Softener' Trick

If you want to sound less aggressive in a meeting, add 'I might' or 'One could'. For example: 'One might question the validity of these numbers.'

⚠️

Not for Feelings

Never use this for someone's personal experience or emotions. Saying 'I question the validity of your anger' makes you sound like a robot and is quite hurtful.

💬

The 'Polite British' Doubt

In the UK, this phrase is often used as a very polite way of saying 'I think you are lying.' It allows the speaker to remain civil while being extremely critical.

例文

6
#1 In a boardroom meeting
💼

I have to question the validity of these quarterly projections.

I have to question the validity of these quarterly projections.

Used here to suggest the financial data might be unrealistic.

#2 Discussing a news article with a friend
😊

I really question the validity of that viral story you shared.

I really question the validity of that viral story you shared.

A polite way to tell a friend they might be sharing 'fake news'.

#3 Writing a university essay
👔

Many scholars question the validity of his initial findings.

Many scholars question the validity of his initial findings.

Standard academic phrasing for critiquing a previous researcher.

#4 Texting about a ridiculous excuse
😄

He said his dog ate his laptop? I question the validity of that.

He said his dog ate his laptop? I question the validity of that.

Using formal language for a silly situation creates a sarcastic effect.

#5 A legal dispute over a contract
👔

The defense will question the validity of the signed agreement.

The defense will question the validity of the signed agreement.

A literal legal use regarding whether a document is legally binding.

#6 Expressing deep disappointment in a system
💭

After the scandal, many citizens question the validity of the election.

After the scandal, many citizens question the validity of the election.

Used to show a serious loss of trust in a process.

自分をテスト

Choose the best word to complete the professional critique.

The auditors decided to ___ the validity of the company's tax returns.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: question

While 'ask' and 'wonder' are related to curiosity, 'question the validity' is the fixed colocation used for formal challenges.

Which noun most naturally follows the phrase?

It is reasonable to question the validity of his ___.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: claims

We question the validity of 'claims', 'arguments', or 'data'. You wouldn't usually question the validity of a physical object or an emotion.

🎉 スコア: /2

ビジュアル学習ツール

Formality of Challenging Ideas

Informal

Used with close friends.

I don't buy it.

Neutral

Standard daily skepticism.

I'm not sure that's true.

Formal

Professional or academic setting.

I question the validity of that.

Very Formal

Legal or official proceedings.

The counsel hereby disputes the validity of...

When to Question Validity

Question the Validity
🔬

Scientific Research

Testing a new hypothesis

⚖️

Legal Documents

Checking a contract's fine print

📊

Corporate Strategy

Reviewing sales forecasts

📰

Journalism

Verifying a source's story

よくある質問

10 問

In this context, it refers to whether something is based on truth, logic, or official law. If a passport is expired, it lacks validity.

Yes, but be careful. It is better to say, "I have some questions regarding the validity of the data," rather than questioning the boss's personal ideas.

It is a verb. You are performing the action of questioning. For example, "She will question the validity of the test."

'Doubting' is a feeling; questioning the validity is a formal action. You might doubt a friend, but you question the validity of a scientific report.

It is used in both! It is a standard part of Global English in professional and academic circles.

No, you don't question the validity of a person. You question the validity of their arguments, claims, or credentials.

Not necessarily. It could mean you think they are simply mistaken or using old information. It is less personal than calling someone a liar.

You could say, "I'm not sure if that's legit," or "That doesn't sound right to me."

Mostly, yes. You are pointing out a potential flaw. However, it is seen as a 'constructive' negative in science and law.

Usually no, unless it's a document. You wouldn't question the validity of a chair, but you would question the validity of a ticket.

関連フレーズ

Call into question

To cause something to be doubted.

Cast doubt on

To make something seem uncertain or unlikely.

Take with a grain of salt

To not completely believe something you are told.

Scrutinize the evidence

To examine the facts very carefully.

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