That's doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "That's doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express skepticism or uncertainty about a statement or situation. Example: "He claims he can finish the project in one day, but that's doubtful given the complexity of the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That's doubtful.

The New Yorker

That's doubtful, since a booming economy is generally good for almost everyone.

The New York Times

That's doubtful after the way Iowa State dominated U.C.L.A. Cyclones Coach Larry Eustachy said that after watching the Bruins paste Maryland, 105-70, he was prepared for what to do if his team found itself as quickly in the hole.

The New York Times - Sports

That's doubtful: Regardless of whether or not the libel verdict is reversed, Cory Miner has a way to go.

Forbes

That's doubtful, and he offers no evidence.

Huffington Post

That's doubtful, considering Cyrus has over 11 million followers on Twitter and admirers all around the world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Clearly, we are getting support from places that were doubtful when I arrived here.

The New York Times

And while some have called for Mr. Fujimori himself to step down before elections, that is doubtful.

The New York Times

Uncertainty is something that is doubtful or unknown: something that is uncertain Merriam-Webster Dictionaryy). Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Mathematical Sciences

The third form of Academic skepticism requires that one withhold judgment on matters that are doubtful to the wise.

SEP

That is doubtful given the institution's other source of funds, but would be good it true.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "That's doubtful" to politely express disagreement or skepticism without being overtly confrontational. This makes your communication more nuanced and easier for others to accept.

Common error

Avoid using "That's doubtful" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your expressions of skepticism to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That's doubtful" functions as an assessment of likelihood, expressing the speaker's skepticism or disbelief regarding a particular statement or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "That's doubtful" is a common and grammatically correct way to express skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English. While widely used across various contexts, it is especially prevalent in News & Media. This phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. To effectively convey skepticism without being overly confrontational, consider using "That's doubtful", but also be mindful of overusing it. Alternatives include "I doubt that" and "that's unlikely". Remember to vary your expressions to keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I doubt that

Direct expression of doubt from the speaker.

That's unlikely

Indicates a low probability of something happening.

I'm skeptical of that

Expresses a cautious or questioning attitude.

It's improbable

Suggests that something is not likely to occur.

I find that hard to believe

Shows disbelief or incredulity towards a statement.

That seems questionable

Highlights a point of uncertainty or suspicion.

That's a stretch

Indicates that a claim is exaggerated or difficult to accept.

Not a chance

Emphatic way of saying something is not possible or likely.

I'm not so sure about that

Expresses hesitation or uncertainty regarding a claim.

That remains to be seen

Indicates that the truth or outcome is yet to be determined.

FAQs

How can I use "That's doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "That's doubtful" to express skepticism or uncertainty about a statement. For example: "He claims he can finish the project in one day, but "that's doubtful" given the complexity of the task."

What are some alternatives to "That's doubtful"?

You can use alternatives like "I doubt that", "that's unlikely", or "I'm skeptical of that" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "That's doubtful" or "I doubt that"?

Both phrases are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. "That's doubtful" is slightly more impersonal, while "I doubt that" directly attributes the skepticism to the speaker.

When is it appropriate to use "That's doubtful" in a conversation?

It's appropriate to use "That's doubtful" when you want to express skepticism or mild disagreement without being overly confrontational. It's suitable for situations where you want to question a statement without directly challenging the speaker.