a considerable doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "There was a considerable doubt among the committee members regarding the feasibility of the proposed project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nevertheless, he said that the study cast "a considerable doubt on the assertion that mystical experiences catalyzed by drugs are in any way inferior to non-drug mystical experiences in both their immediate content and long-term effects".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Had Mr. Romney lost Michigan, his native state, his candidacy would have entered a phase of considerable doubt.

The New York Times

Such a response casts considerable doubt over whether large-scale commercial farmers can be regarded as having made a transition to post-productivism.

Land Use Policy

Whether the gun debate will remain at the center of the campaign for Coffman's seat is a matter of considerable doubt.

The Washington Post

As for the crowd, it was a sellout, after considerable doubt in recent days that the Mets would fill the house.

The New York Times - Sports

THE announcement last month that Martin Margiela had left his fashion house, following a year of considerable doubt about his presence there, suddenly changed the context of his work of the last 20 years.

The New York Times

In spring however, all of Hammond's plans were placed in jeopardy when St. Gatien fell seriously ill with what was described as "pleuro-pneumonia", placing his future as a racehorse in considerable doubt.

Wikipedia

Aside from the difficulty of assigning roles (who plays New Jersey?), the fact that Mr. Nabokov is obviously capable of writing such a story without the aid of a nympholeptic allegory throws considerable doubt on the argument.

The New Yorker

Three tries and 21 points in 12 minutes put Argentina back on course for a quarter-final that seemed in considerable doubt after a first half in which Georgia gave as good as they got and better when it came to the business of push and shove, something at which the Pumas normally revel.

The Guardian - Sport

The extreme extrapolation required in mathematically converting a few fibers or fiber fragments under the TEM to the fiber content of a liquid sample casts considerable doubt on the validity of numbers used to compare chrysotile contents of different liquids.

Environmental Health Perspectives

However, the changes in the structure are less than the standard uncertainty in the experimental work, and the authors' arbitrary adjustment of a nonconforming parameter throws considerable doubt on the significance of the results.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a considerable doubt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the doubt pertains to, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. Provide specific reasons for the doubt whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable doubt" when the uncertainty is minor or insignificant. Choose weaker expressions if the situation warrants it, such as "a slight doubt" or "some uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable doubt" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a significant degree of uncertainty or skepticism. It is used to indicate that there are substantial reasons to question something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a considerable doubt" is used to express a noteworthy degree of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "substantial uncertainty" or "significant reservations" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, it remains a versatile and effective way to communicate a significant level of doubt. Be mindful of overstating the degree of uncertainty and ensure clarity by specifying the object of doubt. According to the data analyzed, "a considerable doubt" is mostly seen in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial uncertainty

Emphasizes the significance of the uncertainty.

considerable reservations

Highlights a strong degree of holding back or disagreeing.

appreciable doubt

Stresses that doubt is significant or large enough to be noticed.

significant reservations

Highlights concerns or objections.

serious misgivings

Indicates deeper feelings of unease or apprehension.

notable skepticism

Focuses on disbelief or questioning attitude.

profound skepticism

Highlights a more deeply rooted disbelief or cynicism.

genuine uncertainty

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the doubt.

real uncertainty

Highlights that uncertainty is actually present and tangible.

marked uncertainty

Emphasizes that uncertainty is easily noticeable or apparent.

FAQs

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

Use "a considerable doubt" to express significant uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "There is "a considerable doubt" whether the project will succeed."

What phrases are similar to "a considerable doubt"?

Alternatives include "substantial uncertainty", "significant reservations", or "serious misgivings", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "considerable doubt" or "substantial doubt"?

Both "considerable doubt" and "substantial doubt" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, as they have very similar meanings. However, "considerable doubt" might be perceived as slightly more common in general usage.

What's the difference between "a considerable doubt" and "a slight doubt"?

"A considerable doubt" indicates a significant level of uncertainty, whereas "a slight doubt" suggests only a minor or negligible level of uncertainty. The choice depends on the degree of skepticism you want to express.