I very much doubt that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I very much doubt that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong disbelief in a statement or idea. Example: My boss says he's going to give me a raise, but I very much doubt that.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I very much doubt that, too.

The New Yorker

"I very much doubt that," Steadman replies, shiftily.

Independent

"But I very much doubt that will happen".

The New York Times

"Well, I very much doubt that will happen".

The New Yorker

The charming Mr Naharis may have many qualities, but I very much doubt that "prepared to understand the role of marriage in diplomacy" is one of them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The first thing to ask is whether we need any surgery on the 26 races we've got, but I very much doubt that," Gillespie said.

The Guardian - Sport

Pornography is material intended to arouse sexual excitement, and I very much doubt that was Anne's intention when she wrote to her imaginary confidant Kitty about her journeys of self-discovery.

The Guardian - Opinion

I hope it puts some extra pressure on them, but I very much doubt that will be the case.

BBC

And until the November elections are out of the way, I very much doubt that will change.

BBC

I very much doubt that but there may be some question marks because I have been out of the ring for so long.

BBC

For now, only customers who select certain plans with those power companies can use these new services, but I very much doubt that team Nest is content to leave things as they are.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure the context supports the use of a personal opinion. While widely accepted, overuse can weaken the impact of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "I very much doubt that" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more objective language to maintain a professional tone and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I very much doubt that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism. It is used to politely contradict or question a previous assertion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I very much doubt that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong disbelief or skepticism, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, offering a polite yet firm way to challenge assertions. While versatile, it's best to use it sparingly in formal writing to maintain objectivity. Alternatives like "I highly doubt that" and "It is unlikely that" can provide nuances in tone and formality. Remember, context matters when voicing your doubts!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I highly doubt that

Emphasizes the high degree of doubt.

I seriously doubt that

Indicates a grave reservation or disbelief.

I find that hard to believe

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something as true.

I'm skeptical of that

Highlights a questioning or doubting attitude.

It's unlikely that

Suggests a low probability of something occurring.

I have my doubts about that

Expresses reservations or uncertainties.

I'm not convinced that

Indicates a lack of persuasion or agreement.

I question whether that's true

Directly challenges the veracity of something.

I'm inclined to disagree

Suggests a leaning towards a different opinion.

That seems improbable to me

Highlights the low likelihood from a personal perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "I very much doubt that" in a sentence?

Use "I very much doubt that" to express strong disbelief or skepticism about a statement. For example, "He promised to finish the project by Friday, but "I very much doubt that"."

What's a more formal alternative to "I very much doubt that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "It is unlikely that" or "I am skeptical of" depending on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I very much doubt that"?

Yes, "I very much doubt that" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English. It's a standard phrase to express disbelief.

What is the difference between "I doubt that" and "I very much doubt that"?

While both phrases express doubt, "I very much doubt that" conveys a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism than simply saying "I doubt that". The addition of "very much" intensifies the feeling.