Spread doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Spread doubt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is causing uncertainty or skepticism about a person, idea, or situation. Example: "The rumors began to spread doubt about the company's future." Alternative expressions include "Sow doubt" and "Instill doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That begat belief among their players, and spread doubt among Reading's Arsenal improved immeasurably in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Here, indeed, was evidence that Dr. Waksman had deliberately spread doubt and confusion about Dr. Schatz's Experiment 11 in a campaign to belittle the work of his student.

The New York Times - Science

He warned that the departure of any member could spread "doubt and distrust" in the minds of foreign investors over the health of the euro.

The New York Times

Anything, really, to mark humanity's achievement of reaching the moon and to abolish persistent conspiracy theories that spread doubt about one of humanity's greatest adventures.

The Guardian - Arts

"So when they seek to spread doubt that more powers will come, the irony is this: Scotland's journey towards home rule has not happened because of the SNP.

The Guardian

The Koch brothers have been pumping millions of dollars into organisations that spread doubt about the causes of climate change while fighting attempts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It had paid outside organizations to spread doubts about the science.

The New York Times

That question has become part of the debate on climate change, as denialists try to spread doubts about global warming.

The New York Times

Now their well-being has become part of a heated debate, as denialists try to spread doubts about global warming.

The New York Times

He was asked about the team's response to a two-game losing streak that spread doubts about its offense without the suspended Plaxico Burress.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Fischer has spread doubts about the authenticity of Obama's American birth certificate and Christian faith, and has claimed that the President's aim is to "destroy capitalism".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Spread doubt" when you want to emphasize the active dissemination of uncertainty or skepticism, especially when it involves a deliberate effort to undermine confidence.

Common error

Ensure that when using "Spread doubt", it's clear what the source of the doubt is and who is being influenced. Avoid using the phrase in contexts where the uncertainty arises naturally without a specific agent actively spreading it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Spread doubt" functions as a verbal phrase, where "spread" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("doubt"). It describes an action of disseminating uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Spread doubt" is a commonly used verbal phrase that effectively conveys the action of disseminating uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and general media contexts. While various alternatives exist, each carries slightly different nuances. The phrase's usage is primarily neutral to formal, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. To effectively employ the phrase, clarify the source and target of the doubt to avoid vagueness. This ensures the message is clearly conveyed with the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sow seeds of doubt

Uses a metaphorical expression, implying a gradual introduction of uncertainty.

Instill skepticism

Highlights the creation of a questioning attitude.

Raise suspicions

Directly suggests that something is not as it seems, generating doubt.

Cast aspersions

Focuses on damaging someone's reputation, implying doubt about their character or actions.

Create uncertainty

Focuses on the outcome of making something unsure or unreliable.

Fuel mistrust

Emphasizes an increase in a lack of trust through the propagation of doubts.

Undermine confidence

Highlights the weakening of belief or trust in something.

Disseminate disbelief

Emphasizes the widespread distribution of a lack of belief.

Promote apprehension

Focuses on fostering anxiety or fear about something.

Incite misgivings

Suggests triggering feelings of unease or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "Spread doubt" to describe actions that cause uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "The rumors began to spread doubt about the company's financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "Spread doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "sow seeds of doubt", "cast aspersions", or "instill skepticism" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Spread doubt" or "Sow doubt"?

Both "Spread doubt" and "sow doubt" are correct. "Spread doubt" emphasizes the active dissemination of uncertainty, while "sow doubt" implies a more gradual and subtle introduction of uncertainty.

What is the difference between "Spread doubt" and "Raise suspicions"?

"Spread doubt" refers to the broader action of creating uncertainty, while "raise suspicions" specifically suggests that something might be wrong or dishonest.