a moment of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moment of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation regarding a decision or belief. Example: "During the presentation, she experienced a moment of doubt about her argument's validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A moment of doubt.

The New York Times

Boertje-Obed had a moment of doubt.

The New Yorker

Nielsen admits to a moment of doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

" 'You'll play Captain Hook.' " He had a moment of doubt.

The New York Times

After a moment of doubt, the hounds ran toward him.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt so happy and uplifted that I couldn't believe I'd had a moment of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "In the first half, we got off to a good start and missed a penalty - and I think the players had a moment of doubting themselves.

BBC

But the self-portrait gives the clammy, fearful truth of a moment of deep doubt.

The Guardian - Books

In retrospect, it seems obvious that in a moment of self doubt, America had again chosen a soldier as its leader.

Independent

Back in the fifties, Fass's radio hero, Jean Shepherd, suffering a moment of overwhelming doubt, had asked his listeners to gather in an event he called the Milling.

The New Yorker

Stein's gift may have been that she was impervious to both criticism and ridicule (of which she received plenty): she never suffered a moment of hostly doubt or anxiety in her life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moment of doubt" to add depth to character development in fiction by showing vulnerability or internal conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "a moment of doubt" when you actually mean disbelief. Doubt implies uncertainty, while disbelief suggests a firm rejection of an idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moment of doubt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of uncertainty or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moment of doubt" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation. As Ludwig AI notes, this expression is considered correct and appears frequently in news and media, but is also applicable in formal and informal contexts. To avoid common mistakes, ensure you're conveying uncertainty rather than disbelief. Consider alternatives such as "a fleeting hesitation" for nuanced expression. "A moment of doubt" effectively adds depth and realism to both narrative and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A fleeting hesitation

Focuses on the brief duration of the pause or uncertainty.

A brief uncertainty

Highlights the temporary nature of the lack of certainty.

A passing qualm

Emphasizes a slight feeling of unease or doubt that quickly disappears.

A temporary misgiving

Stresses a feeling of apprehension or doubt that is not permanent.

A wave of insecurity

Describes a sudden feeling of lacking confidence.

A flicker of apprehension

Focuses on a brief and subtle feeling of anxiety or fear.

A touch of skepticism

Suggests a slight inclination to doubt or question something.

A suspicion

Denotes a feeling of doubt or mistrust.

A twinge of anxiety

Highlights a sudden, sharp feeling of worry or nervousness.

A period of indecision

Emphasizes a longer duration of being unable to decide.

FAQs

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

You can use "a moment of doubt" to describe a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation. For example, "Before accepting the offer, she had "a moment of doubt" about whether it was the right decision."

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

Alternatives include "a fleeting hesitation", "a brief uncertainty", or "a passing qualm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a moment of doubt" or "a time of doubt"?

"A moment of doubt" refers to a specific, brief instance of uncertainty. "A time of doubt" ("a time of doubt") suggests a more extended period of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "a moment of doubt" and "a moment of hesitation"?

"A moment of doubt" implies uncertainty about something, while "a moment of hesitation" ("a moment of hesitation") suggests a pause before acting, which may or may not be due to doubt.