a degree of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a degree of doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling of uncertainty or hesitation about something. For example: "She had a degree of doubt about his intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Others voted Tory with a degree of doubt or even trepidation.

Independent

"Microsoft has been very successful in engendering a degree of doubt about Java among corporate customers," Scott Winkler, an analyst at the Gartner Group, a research firm, said.

The New York Times

On the demerit side, a detectable Balenciaga influence in the proportions and layers cast a degree of doubt over the designers' ability to establish a clear brand identity.

The New York Times

Of course, speeches are peppered with references to the unexpected election triumph – but even a headline-grabbing announcement, delivered with the wave of a conjuror's wand, conveys a degree of doubt about the party's appeal.

Independent

In Tokyo, the minutes of the Bank of Japan's policy meeting on April 26 revealed a degree of doubt about the bank's ability to inject a healthy dose of inflation into an economy that has suffered from crippling deflation for years.

The New York Times

In the end, Hume argued, the inevitable uncertainty of knowledge requires, in response, a rigorous policy of "mitigated skepticism" -- the constant application of "a degree of doubt, and caution, and modesty, which, in all kinds of scrutiny and decision, ought for ever to accompany a just reasoner".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Analogous to the story is a degree of doubting that exists when darkness is experienced, doubting life, purpose, meaning, relationship, to name a few.

Huffington Post

It is during this period that those disappointed in seeing their preferred candidate drop out will retain a degree of critical doubt regarding the winner - at least for a while.

Huffington Post

Except the faces express a degree of self-doubt which would not appear on an anthropological object.

Independent

But she wanted to be a writer, and would do almost anything to make that happen, which is why it is moving to find in her notebooks a degree of self-doubt and self-criticism not usually associated with Susan Sontag: "The mind is a whore".

The New Yorker

But if it means government has to proceed with a greater degree of doubt that in 2002-3, that that's a good thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a degree of doubt", ensure the context clarifies the cause or object of the doubt to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a degree of doubt about the accuracy of the data".

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of doubt" when the situation warrants stronger terms like "certainty" or "proof". Using "a degree of doubt" suggests partial uncertainty, not complete dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of doubt" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun, indicating the extent or amount of uncertainty. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of doubt" is a correct and usable English phrase that expresses a limited or partial feeling of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. It's commonly used in news, science, and academic writing to indicate a nuanced perspective on information where complete certainty is lacking. Related phrases include ""a hint of uncertainty"" and ""some reservations"", offering alternatives with varying degrees of similarity. When using the phrase, ensure that the object or source of the doubt is clear and that the level of uncertainty is accurately represented. This ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of uncertainty

Replaces "degree" with "hint", suggesting a smaller amount of doubt.

a shade of skepticism

Substitutes "doubt" with "skepticism" and "degree" with "shade", implying a questioning attitude.

a touch of apprehension

Replaces "doubt" with "apprehension", indicating a slight fear or anxiety.

a modicum of disbelief

Uses "modicum" instead of "degree" and "disbelief" instead of "doubt", suggesting a small amount of incredulity.

some reservations

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression of having doubts or concerns.

a certain unease

Indicates a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, stemming from a lack of certainty.

lingering questions

Focuses on the presence of unresolved issues that create doubt.

nagging suspicions

Highlights the persistent and bothersome nature of doubts.

a flicker of mistrust

Emphasizes a brief or subtle lack of trust.

a suspicion

Shortens the phrase to a single word conveying doubt or mistrust.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of doubt" to express a feeling of uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "The expert expressed "a degree of doubt" regarding the study's conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "a degree of doubt"?

Alternatives include "a hint of uncertainty", "some reservations", or "lingering questions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a degree of doubt" or "a shadow of a doubt"?

"A degree of doubt" implies some uncertainty exists, while "a shadow of a doubt" means there is virtually no uncertainty. They have opposite meanings.

When should I use "a degree of doubt" instead of "some doubt"?

"A degree of doubt" is more formal and suggests a measurable or noticeable amount of uncertainty. "Some doubt" is more general and can imply a smaller or less defined amount.