a reasonable doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the standard of proof required in criminal cases, indicating that if there is any reasonable uncertainty about a defendant's guilt, they should be acquitted. Example: "The jury must find the defendant not guilty if there is a reasonable doubt about his involvement in the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Furthermore, how strong does a contrary reason need to be to constitute a reasonable doubt?

SEP

But guilty beyond a reasonable doubt?

The New York Times

"They're not beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

"Beyond a reasonable doubt" fits the bill.

The New York Times

Place it beyond a reasonable doubt?

The New York Times - Magazine

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

| Sept. 30 at 5: "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Now do we have a picture or do we have irrefutable beyond-a-reasonable-doubt evidence?

BBC

"It proved their theory beyond a reasonable doubt".

Science Magazine

"We're not going to have everything beyond a reasonable doubt".

The New York Times

If taken elsewhere, the government need not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal standards, ensure you understand the jurisdiction's specific interpretation of "a reasonable doubt". It's a legal term with specific connotations.

Common error

Don't equate "a reasonable doubt" with "any doubt at all". The legal standard doesn't require absolute certainty, only the absence of a doubt based on reason and common sense arising from the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable doubt" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a preposition (e.g., "beyond a reasonable doubt") or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used in legal contexts to describe the standard of proof required for conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable doubt" is a grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used in legal and analytical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its role in describing the standard of proof in criminal cases. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, most prominently in news media and legal documents. To avoid common errors, remember that "a reasonable doubt" doesn't equal "any doubt" but rather a doubt based on reason and evidence. Consider alternatives like "justifiable doubt" for conveying similar uncertainties. When using the phrase, ensure you understand the specific legal or analytical context to apply it accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justifiable doubt

Replaces "reasonable" with "justifiable", suggesting the doubt has a valid basis.

a legitimate uncertainty

Substitutes "doubt" with "uncertainty" implying a valid and acceptable reason to be unsure.

a valid question mark

Expresses doubt as an outstanding question that needs resolution, focusing on the query itself.

a credible reservation

Highlights that the doubt is not easily dismissed and holds some weight.

a well-founded skepticism

Emphasizes the doubt is based on solid reasoning or evidence.

a permissible doubt

Suggests that doubting is allowed given the circumstances.

a plausible question

Indicates the doubt is believable and could potentially alter the outcome.

a defensible doubt

Indicates a doubt is worth defending and arguing for.

a tenable reservation

Implies the doubt is able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

a slight hesitation

Conveys a mild form of doubt or reluctance.

FAQs

How is "a reasonable doubt" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a reasonable doubt" refers to the standard of proof required to convict someone of a crime. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond "a reasonable doubt", meaning that no other logical explanation can be derived from the facts except that the defendant committed the crime.

What are some synonyms for "a reasonable doubt"?

Synonyms for "a reasonable doubt" include phrases like "a justifiable doubt", "a legitimate uncertainty", or "a valid question mark". These alternatives convey a sense of uncertainty or skepticism that has a rational basis.

What's the difference between "a reasonable doubt" and "a preponderance of the evidence"?

"A reasonable doubt" is the standard used in criminal cases, requiring a high degree of certainty. "A preponderance of the evidence", on the other hand, is used in civil cases and means that it is more likely than not that something is true.

What happens if there is "a reasonable doubt" in a criminal trial?

If the jury has "a reasonable doubt" about the defendant's guilt, they are obligated to acquit the defendant, meaning the defendant is found not guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to prove guilt beyond "a reasonable doubt".