a lingering doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lingering doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or hesitation that persists over time regarding a situation or decision. Example: "Despite the reassurances, I still have a lingering doubt about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Islanders' defense, a lingering doubt a year ago, could be one of the team's strengths.

The New York Times - Sports

For a long time, there was a lingering doubt in our hearts that Taliban are better Muslims than us.

The Guardian

But I have a lingering doubt: these acts of courage work best (and perhaps only) against regimes that have lost the will to kill.

The Economist

People supported her for being a strong leader, but they also have a lingering doubt about whether their first female president will be as good in national security as she sounds".

The New York Times

There was bound to be a bit of trepidation on my part, a lingering doubt in the back of my mind, but once I had met the 'gaffer' and the players it was an easy transition for me to make.

The Guardian - Sport

Particularly striking is the finding that those closest to its operation often show the greatest unease.Mr Lifton's final chapter, "The End of Executions", suggests that much of what underlies unease about the legitimacy of capital punishment has to do with a lingering doubt about whether the state "owns death".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The primed Celtics wiped the parquet floor with the Magic and swiped nearly all lingering doubt of an Orlando resurrection with a demoralizing 94-71 routotakeake a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

The New York Times - Sports

If there was any lingering doubt that a tiny clique of fossil-fuel barons has captured America's energy and environmental policies, it was dispelled last week, when the Trump Administration withdrew from the Paris climate accord.

The New Yorker

The last sentence should remove any lingering doubt about this being a Christian prayer.

Huffington Post

PHILADELPHIA — Any lingering doubt David Wright might have had about playing with a fractured right pinkie vanished after one pitch Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, Gowdy insisted that a third party should be involved to try and erase any lingering doubt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a lingering doubt" when a stronger term like "certainty" or "proof" is more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for expressing uncertainty, not absolute knowledge.

Common error

Don't use "a lingering doubt" when you want to convey complete conviction or certainty. This phrase indicates uncertainty, so using it in place of a stronger assertion will weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lingering doubt" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific, persistent uncertainty. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the presence of an unresolved question or concern. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lingering doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that signifies a persistent uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not as frequent as other expressions of uncertainty, it's a valuable tool for expressing specific, unresolved concerns. Remember to use it when you genuinely want to convey a feeling of unease or reservation, and avoid it when a stronger assertion is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent uncertainty

Replaces "doubt" with "uncertainty" and "lingering" with "persistent", emphasizing the continuous nature of the uncertainty.

a remaining question

Substitutes "doubt" with "question", focusing on the unresolved aspect; "remaining" indicates it hasn't been answered.

a nagging concern

Replaces "doubt" with "concern" and "lingering" with "nagging", highlighting the bothersome aspect of the worry.

a faint apprehension

Uses "apprehension" instead of "doubt", conveying a slight fear or anxiety; "faint" suggests it's not strong.

a trace of skepticism

Replaces "doubt" with "skepticism", indicating a questioning attitude; "trace" suggests a small amount.

a shadow of misgiving

Uses "misgiving" instead of "doubt", emphasizing a feeling of unease; "shadow" suggests it's not overwhelming but still present.

a reservation

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same underlying idea.

an underlying suspicion

Emphasizes the feeling of distrust that might be the basis of the doubt.

a reservation in the back of one's mind

Similar to the original phrase but adding a detail about when the doubt comes.

a sneaking suspicion

Describes a vague idea about something but not a certitude about it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lingering doubt" to express a feeling of uncertainty that remains even after some information or events. For example: "Despite the evidence, I still have "a lingering doubt" about his innocence."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a lingering doubt"?

Some alternatives to "a lingering doubt" include "a persistent uncertainty", "a remaining question", or "a nagging concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lingering doubts" or "a lingering doubt"?

Both "lingering doubts" and "a lingering doubt" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Lingering doubts" (plural) suggests multiple uncertainties, while "a lingering doubt" (singular) refers to a single, specific uncertainty.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a lingering doubt"?

It's inappropriate to use "a lingering doubt" when you want to express complete certainty or conviction. This phrase is used to indicate a lack of complete assurance, so it shouldn't replace more assertive language.