Instill doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"instill doubt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of causing someone to feel uncertain or skeptical about something. Example: "The misleading information served to instill doubt in the minds of the voters." Alternative expressions include "sow doubt" and "create uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Two major flaws instill doubt about the legitimacy of the request to extradite Mr. Polanski.

The New York Times

The Chamber has long tried to instill doubt about climate change.

The Washington Post

On Monday night in Wisconsin, Trump's teleprompter offered him some new metrics in his efforts to instill doubt in the entire process.

The Washington Post

Mr. Melancon knew the scandal was not by itself enough to win on, but his campaign included it as part of a broader effort to instill doubt about Mr. Vitter, particularly among women.

The New York Times

"If you can learn something about whatever is on those hard drives, whatever that information might be, you could instill doubt on their part by just countermessaging whatever it is they said they wanted to do or planned to do," said Brig.

The New York Times

Like defense lawyers trying to instill doubt in the minds of jurors, creationist critics tend to avoid the difficult and meticulous analysis required in interpreting paleontological data.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Defense lawyers dismissed parts of the government's account and tried to instill doubts in the jury about the reliability of coming witnesses.

The New York Times

But it also includes network-disrupting tactics to deter the terror enablers who would not want to sacrifice their own lives to jihad, and computer and cellphone hacking to instill doubts among terrorists and their supporters about one another.

The New York Times

But at a time when the New York art world is distinguished chiefly by hard sell and soft art, he and some of his colleagues are at least continuing to ask questions, instill doubts, raise a usefully confusing stink.

The New York Times

Rather than offering an explanation of this kind, Malebranche is content here simply to report on his own psychological response to the 'extravagant supposition' of a deceiving God, which fails to instill doubts in him about such simple truths.

SEP

Well, ok, the stuff she tried to do to trick Emily or instill doubts in her marriage to Les was devious.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, consider using "instill reasonable doubt" to emphasize the specific legal standard.

Common error

Be careful not to use "instill doubt" when you simply mean to express your own uncertainty. "Instill" implies an active effort to create doubt in someone else, whereas expressing doubt is simply sharing your own feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instill doubt" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of causing someone to experience uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples illustrating its application in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instill doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to deliberately introduce uncertainty into someone's mind. Ludwig confirms this through many examples drawn from diverse sources. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its purpose is broadly communicative, fitting a neutral register. To avoid common writing errors, remember that instilling doubt is an active process, different from simply expressing personal doubt. Consider related phrases like "sow seeds of doubt" or "raise questions" to fine-tune your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sow seeds of doubt

Uses a metaphorical expression related to planting, which slightly changes the nuance to suggest a gradual process of creating doubt.

Plant suspicions

Similar to "sow seeds of doubt", but focuses on a feeling of mistrust.

Create uncertainty

Emphasizes the generation of a state of uncertainty, which can be broader than doubt focused on a specific belief.

Fuel skepticism

Highlights the act of adding to existing doubt, rather than creating it from scratch.

Foster disbelief

Implies actively encouraging a lack of faith or acceptance.

Raise questions

Focuses on prompting inquiry rather than directly inducing doubt, making it a more subtle approach.

Shake belief

Suggests a forceful challenge to an existing conviction.

Undermine confidence

Targets the reduction of certainty, specifically in one's own abilities or beliefs.

Erode trust

Focuses on gradually diminishing faith or confidence in someone or something.

Cast aspersions

Implies a negative suggestion or insinuation, which can lead to doubt about someone's character or motives.

FAQs

How can I use "instill doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "instill doubt" to describe an action that causes someone to question something. For example, "The lawyer's arguments were designed to "instill doubt" in the minds of the jurors."

What's the difference between ""instill doubt"" and "sow doubt"?

"Instill doubt" suggests a more direct or intentional action, while "sow doubt" implies a more gradual or subtle process of creating uncertainty.

What can I say instead of ""instill doubt""?

You can use alternatives like "raise questions", "create uncertainty", or "undermine confidence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to ""instill doubt""?

While often used in negative contexts, ""instill doubt"" can sometimes be positive. For example, instilling doubt about harmful beliefs can be beneficial.