I really doubt that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I really doubt that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing disbelief or skepticism about something. For example: "I heard that the world record for the mile just got broken. I really doubt that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But I really doubt that prejudice comes from the white majority than from other minority group.

The New York Times

Now, that doesn't really sound quite high enough to be honest, and I really doubt that includes the companies that may have spun out a few months ago, got their own offices, funding and then staffed up.

TechCrunch

"But I have to say, based on my own personal experience, I really doubt that very much (that the full truth will ever be known)." Kincora victims, politicians, former police officers and campaign groups have all called for Kincora to be included in a UK-wide investigation into abuse.

BBC

"I really doubt that children call.

Los Angeles Times

"Yeah — only I really doubt that last part. .

Huffington Post

Again, I really doubt that's the case, but, for whatever reason, that aura is there during "Update" as of late.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Because I don't really doubt that anxiety will affect me in one way or another most of my life — but I'm learning to tap into the tools available to me to make it manageable and not succumb to the overwhelming feelings that it often brings.

HuffPost

I told him I really doubted that and kept up my reverse interrogation.

Huffington Post

does anyone really doubt that eventually the Internet will triumph here to smash the rigid program guide that cable and satellite companies shove down our throats?

TechCrunch

Did anyone really doubt that Caribou would make his way to the top of countless lists this year?

Vice

"I would really doubt that that [2008 price drop] would have been because we committed to more drilling," said Phyllis Martin, an analyst with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), which just released its detailed, annual outlook on energy supply and prices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I really doubt that" when you want to express a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism, but avoid using it in overly formal or professional settings where a more nuanced expression might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I really doubt that" in formal reports or presentations. Instead, opt for phrases like "I have some reservations regarding", or "Further investigation is warranted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really doubt that" functions as a declarative statement expressing disbelief or skepticism. It serves to convey the speaker's strong reservations about the veracity or likelihood of a particular claim or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Tech

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I really doubt that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express skepticism or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less so in highly formal settings. While alternatives like "I highly doubt that" or "I'm skeptical of that" can offer a more nuanced approach, "I really doubt that" remains a direct and easily understood way to convey your reservations. The phrase finds frequent use in news, media, and informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I highly doubt that

Emphasizes the strong disbelief, similar to "I really doubt that" but slightly more formal.

I seriously question that

Indicates a significant level of doubt and suggests a need for further examination.

I find that hard to believe

Expresses disbelief in a more indirect and polite manner.

I'm skeptical of that

Directly states skepticism, highlighting a cautious or questioning attitude.

That seems unlikely to me

Focuses on the improbability of the statement, expressing doubt through perceived likelihood.

I have my doubts about that

Suggests uncertainty and reservation regarding the truth or validity of something.

I'm not convinced of that

Indicates a lack of belief or acceptance, implying resistance to the idea.

I question the validity of that

Formally expresses doubt about the truth or accuracy of something.

I'm inclined to disbelieve that

Expresses a leaning towards disbelief, suggesting a predisposition against the statement.

That's a stretch

Informally implies that the statement is exaggerated or unlikely to be true.

FAQs

How can I use "I really doubt that" in a sentence?

You can use "I really doubt that" to express skepticism. For example, "He said he can finish the project by tomorrow, but "I really doubt that"."

What are some alternatives to "I really doubt that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I highly doubt that", "I seriously question that", or "I'm skeptical of that".

Is it appropriate to use "I really doubt that" in professional communication?

While grammatically correct, "I really doubt that" might come across as too informal or dismissive in professional settings. Consider using more nuanced phrases to express your doubts.

What's the difference between "I doubt that" and "I really doubt that"?

Adding "really" intensifies the expression of doubt. While "I doubt that" simply indicates uncertainty, "I really doubt that" conveys a stronger sense of disbelief.