Slightly doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a mild uncertainty or hesitation about something. Example: "I am slightly doubtful about the accuracy of the information provided in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On Thursday, the Nuevo Ballet Español shows flamenco in a more contemporary guise -- a slightly doubtful enterprise -- featuring the wonderful Lola Greco.

The New York Times

There is none of the slightly doubtful utilisation of the Holocaust that I found in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, as if it existed solely to make the reader upset and disgusted by any means necessary.

The Guardian

That £130,000 figure also assumes that your CGT calculation is correct, which I'm slightly doubtful about, not least because you mention including the mortgage in the CGT sums – you don't need to do this.

The Guardian - Money

Eva Herzigova Now, we know French women take the lead when it comes to appearing au naturel – unkempt body hair and nouvelle vague nudity being topics on which the Fashion Statement jury remains slightly doubtful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nigel Twisoundsavieslightly slightly doubtful about it, saying we must wait for the owners to decide, and I wonder if the Aintree Bowl will re-enter calculations, following this latest proof that the grey is not just a Haydock horse.

The Guardian - Sport

I am slightly doubtful as to where Cooper's anonymous police officer got his "exponential" increase from.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When comparing the two blocking ELISA kits little differences can be found, though Kit C gave less doubtful results and a slightly better repeatability.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

(Extremely doubtful).

The New York Times

Doubtful glances.

The New York Times - Arts

'Racist?' Doubtful".

The Guardian - Film

The President seemed doubtful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly doubtful" to express a polite and understated form of disagreement or skepticism, especially when you don't want to appear overly critical or confrontational. It's useful in professional settings where maintaining a neutral tone is important.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly doubtful" excessively in formal documents or academic papers, as it may come across as indecisive or lacking confidence. Opt for stronger, more direct expressions of uncertainty or critique when appropriate, such as "questionable" or "uncertain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly doubtful" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to qualify a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms its role in expressing a nuanced level of uncertainty or skepticism. It softens the impact of direct doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly doubtful" serves as a nuanced expression of uncertainty or mild skepticism. As identified by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to soften the impact of direct doubt, making it a useful tool in professional and neutral contexts. While commonly found in News & Media, its applicability extends to Science and Formal & Business settings. When aiming to express a more tempered reservation, consider alternatives like "somewhat dubious" or "a little uncertain". However, avoid overuse in highly formal writing, where more direct expressions may be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat dubious

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat" and "doubtful" with "dubious", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty but sounding more formal.

A little uncertain

Substitutes "slightly" with "a little" and "doubtful" with "uncertain", offering a more casual and less critical tone.

Mildly skeptical

Replaces "doubtful" with "skeptical", emphasizing a questioning attitude rather than simple uncertainty.

Questionable to some extent

Presents a more descriptive and elaborate expression of uncertainty, suitable for formal contexts.

Not entirely convinced

Indicates a lack of complete belief, highlighting the speaker's personal reservation.

Slightly suspicious

Shifts the focus to suspicion, suggesting a concern about potential deception or hidden issues.

A bit hesitant

Emphasizes hesitation, implying a reluctance to fully accept or endorse something.

Open to question

Suggests that the matter is not settled and remains subject to debate or further investigation.

Leaves room for doubt

Highlights that the situation or statement does not eliminate all uncertainty.

Not quite certain

Indicates an incomplete level of certainty, similar to "a little uncertain" but perhaps slightly stronger.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly doubtful" to express a mild reservation or uncertainty about something. For example, "I am slightly doubtful about the accuracy of these figures".

What phrases are similar to "slightly doubtful"?

Alternatives to "slightly doubtful" include "somewhat dubious", "a little uncertain", or "mildly skeptical", depending on the context.

Is "slightly doubtful" formal or informal?

"Slightly doubtful" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more common in professional or neutral settings where a softer tone is preferred.

What's the difference between "slightly doubtful" and "doubtful"?

"Slightly doubtful" expresses a milder degree of uncertainty compared to "doubtful". While "doubtful" indicates a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism, "slightly doubtful" suggests a more tempered reservation.