a matter of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is uncertain or questionable. Example: "The outcome of the experiment remains a matter of doubt until further analysis is conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Precisely where, nearly a century ago, E. H. Thompson found Altar 10 has long been a matter of doubt.

Harvard University

Fifteen years ago, another member of the executive team stood in comparable disregard, his value a matter of doubt.

Harvard Business Review

It is a matter of doubt whether we will see the temperamental Italian in the Premiership again.

The Guardian - Sport

Its place became a matter of doubt in the 1960s, when Israel no longer confined itself to its internationally agreed borders.

The Guardian

Yet much remains a matter of doubt and speculation.

SEP

After publication of an article by Gao and colleagues earlier this year, several published results dealing with the role of ABP1 in auxin signaling and plant development became a matter of doubt.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Whether he can pull off that feat this time is a matter of some doubt.

The New York Times

That Alfred Hitchcock was one of the major artists of the 20th century no longer seems a matter of serious doubt.

The New York Times

That Jackson had either the means or the skill to execute Johnston's instructions was a matter of grave doubt.

The New York Times

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

In his first feature as a director, Lewis played a grown man whom everyone called a "bellboy"—someone who spent his day taking orders, whose maturity was a matter of collective doubt, and whose views and ideas nobody asked for.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of doubt" to introduce a topic where the truth or outcome is uncertain, especially when discussing ongoing investigations, scientific findings, or historical interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of doubt" when expressing strong personal beliefs or certainties. This phrase suggests uncertainty, which contradicts the purpose of conveying conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of doubt" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing it introducing uncertainty regarding a specific situation or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of doubt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty or questionability. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from reputable sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, reveal its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. While not exceedingly frequent, it effectively introduces a sense of skepticism or the need for further investigation. It is important to use it to introduce a topic where the outcome is uncertain, and avoid misusing it in assertive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue of uncertainty

Replaces "matter" with "issue", emphasizing the topic under consideration, and "doubt" with "uncertainty", focusing on the lack of sureness.

a point of contention

Shifts the focus to disagreement or dispute surrounding the topic, rather than just uncertainty.

subject to question

Highlights that the topic is open to scrutiny and potential disagreement.

open to debate

Emphasizes the possibility of differing opinions and arguments about the topic.

a question mark

Uses a metaphor to indicate that the topic is uncertain or unresolved.

shrouded in uncertainty

Implies that the topic is obscured by a lack of clarity or information.

under suspicion

Suggests that the topic is being viewed with distrust or skepticism.

dubious

A more concise adjective expressing uncertainty or skepticism.

uncertain

A simple adjective indicating a lack of certainty.

a moot point

Suggests that the issue is no longer relevant or practical.

FAQs

What does "a matter of doubt" mean?

The phrase "a matter of doubt" indicates that something is uncertain, questionable, or not definitively known. It suggests that there is room for skepticism or further investigation.

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

You can use "a matter of doubt" to describe situations where the truth or outcome is uncertain. For example: "Whether the project will succeed is still "a matter of doubt".".

What can I say instead of "a matter of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue of uncertainty", "subject to question", or "open to debate" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a matter of concern" or "a matter of doubt"?

"A matter of concern" implies that something is worrying or problematic, while "a matter of doubt" suggests that something is uncertain or questionable. The appropriate phrase depends on the specific situation you are describing. Consider the subtle distinction between both alternatives.