a scrap of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scrap of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a small amount of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "Despite her confidence, there was still a scrap of doubt in her mind about the decision she had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Macdonald, by contrast, didn't have a scrap of doubt.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not a scrap of evidence has emerged since the war to suggest that Mr Bush or Mr Blair doubted the truth of their central claim.

The Economist

Not a scrap of it.

The Guardian

It's like a scrap of Europe".

The New York Times

Kindly send me a scrap of Ranunculus sibbaldioides.

University of California, Berkeley

A mere $17m bought him a scrap of immortality.

The Economist

Our Constitution was reduced to a scrap of paper".

The New York Times

Laura held up a scrap of beige silk.

The New Yorker

Not a scrap of this stuff was polyester.

The New York Times - Arts

Only a scrap of police tape suggests anything has happened.

Independent

No family silver, no heirlooms, barely a scrap of jewellery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scrap of doubt" to convey a subtle or minimal level of uncertainty. It is most effective when you want to suggest that the doubt exists despite an overall feeling of confidence or certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a scrap of doubt" when the uncertainty is significant. This phrase is intended to downplay the doubt, not to represent a major concern. In scenarios with serious reservations, opt for phrases like "considerable doubt" or "significant uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scrap of doubt" functions as a noun phrase that modifies an implied verb (e.g., 'there is,' 'there remains'). Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and usable expression. The phrase indicates the existence of a minimal amount of uncertainty or skepticism regarding a specific matter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scrap of doubt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a minimal level of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the degree of doubt is indeed minor, and that stronger expressions are used when significant uncertainty is present. Related phrases like "a hint of uncertainty" or "a trace of skepticism" can provide similar nuances with slight variations in intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of uncertainty

Substitutes 'doubt' with 'uncertainty' and 'scrap' with 'hint', suggesting a slightly weaker degree of doubt.

a trace of skepticism

Replaces 'doubt' with 'skepticism' and 'scrap' with 'trace', indicating a more questioning attitude.

a shadow of uncertainty

Uses 'shadow' instead of 'scrap' to imply a looming but not necessarily overwhelming uncertainty.

a flicker of hesitation

Emphasizes the act of hesitating, implying a momentary doubt or pause.

a glimmer of disbelief

Highlights the aspect of not believing completely, suggesting a milder form of doubt.

a suspicion of falsity

Focuses on the possibility of something being untrue, indicating a more specific type of doubt.

a tinge of apprehension

Suggests a slight feeling of anxiety or fear alongside doubt.

a modicum of distrust

Replaces 'doubt' with 'distrust', indicating a lack of faith or confidence.

a degree of reservation

Implies a holding back or a reluctance due to some doubt.

a whisper of misgiving

Uses 'whisper' to emphasize the subtlety and quiet nature of the doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a scrap of doubt" to indicate a minimal amount of uncertainty about something. For example, "Despite the evidence, there was still "a scrap of doubt" in her mind."

What phrases are similar to "a scrap of doubt"?

Alternatives to "a scrap of doubt" include phrases like "a hint of uncertainty", "a trace of skepticism", or "a shadow of uncertainty", each conveying a slightly different nuance of uncertainty.

Is it appropriate to use "a scrap of doubt" in formal writing?

Yes, "a scrap of doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it's a relatively common and well-understood expression. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "a scrap of doubt" and "a shadow of a doubt"?

"A scrap of doubt" indicates a very small amount of uncertainty, while "a shadow of a doubt" typically means there is no uncertainty at all (used in the negative sense). They convey opposite meanings regarding the presence of doubt.