a twinge of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a twinge of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a slight feeling of uncertainty or hesitation about something. Example: "As she read the proposal, she felt a twinge of doubt about its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Still, a twinge of doubt set in.

The Washington Post

Even there, however, in the hands of masterly authors, one felt a twinge of doubt.

The New Yorker

Early Wednesday Morning A similar feeling swept over Mr. Klein, the state senator, who started the day with a twinge of doubt.

The New York Times

I confess to having felt a twinge of doubt upon seeing that her name, once in huge block letters, had been wiped unceremoniously from the façade of this magnificent facility, open to rich and poor alike.

Columbia University

Millburn is the first municipality to try moving out its unwanted deer, and Mr. Lund confessed a twinge of doubt over whether it would succeed, mostly because of basic arithmetic.

The New York Times

Do you feel a twinge of doubt?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He sees bugs and feels a twinge of loneliness while doubting human existence on the Avenue.

The New Yorker

The truth is, to say that to yourself, means you had a moment of doubt or a twinge of anxiety before you intellectualize it.

Huffington Post

I move on and feel the first twinge of doubt as mounted police appear.

The Guardian

As the Minnesota Vikings went through training camp this month, Brett Favre remained in Mississippi, beginning to feel the twinge of doubt he had dreaded with his first two retirements.

The New York Times - Sports

And I felt a twinge of what in another person might be described as doubt.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a twinge of doubt" to subtly express a minor feeling of uncertainty, rather than strong disbelief. This phrase works well when you want to introduce a hint of skepticism without being overtly critical.

Common error

While "a twinge of doubt" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and assertive language when clarity and conviction are paramount. For example, use "I have reservations" or "I question the validity of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a twinge of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to express a feeling. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a twinge of doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, employed to express a slight feeling of uncertainty or hesitation. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When seeking alternatives, consider "a hint of uncertainty" or "a flicker of doubt" for similar nuances. When clarity is paramount, direct expressions are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hint of uncertainty

Substitutes "twinge of doubt" with a milder expression of uncertainty.

A flicker of doubt

Replaces "twinge" with "flicker", suggesting a brief or momentary feeling of doubt.

A touch of skepticism

Uses "skepticism" instead of "doubt", implying a questioning attitude.

A shade of hesitation

Employs "hesitation" to convey a pause or reluctance.

A suspicion

A simpler expression suggesting a lack of trust or certainty.

A degree of uncertainty

Highlights the level of not being sure about something, without using a figurative term such as "twinge".

Some misgivings

Indicates feelings of apprehension or unease about a future event.

A nagging worry

Indicates a persistent feeling of slight fear, stress, or uneasiness, typically one that is difficult to dismiss.

A moment of indecision

Focuses on the temporary state of being unable to decide.

A reservation

Highlights an unstated doubt that prevents enthusiastic acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a twinge of doubt" to express a slight feeling of uncertainty or hesitation. For example, "As she reviewed the data, she felt "a twinge of doubt" about the conclusions."

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

Alternatives include "a hint of uncertainty", "a flicker of doubt", or "a touch of skepticism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a tinge of doubt" instead of "a twinge of doubt"?

While "tinge" and "twinge" can both refer to a slight sensation or feeling, ""a twinge of doubt"" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Tinge" is more often used in relation to color or flavor.

When is it appropriate to use "a twinge of doubt"?

"A twinge of doubt" is appropriate when you want to express a small, often sudden, feeling of uncertainty or misgiving. It's suitable for situations where the doubt is not overwhelming but still present.