be subject to doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be subject to doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may not be fully trusted or is open to skepticism. Example: "The findings of the study may be subject to doubt due to the small sample size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it will encourage other hospitals to improve their act so they too can move to foundation status.Even this scenario of modest change and modest improvement is subject to doubt.

The Economist

As earlier noted, the existence of my body is subject to doubt.

SEP

Or as the Magistrate sardonically restates the torturer's creed: "Pain is truth; all else is subject to doubt".

Huffington Post

Consequently, South Korea's distinction of having the lowest female smoking rate of all OECD countries (OECD's smoking rate includes participants aged 15 and above; http://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx) is subject to doubt.

BMC Women's Health

In the build-up to the game, Atletico's champions will once again, it is certain, be subjected to doubts and scrutiny, especially if Costa's fragile hamstring forces him to miss the game.

BBC

Although the latter issue may be subject to debate, there is no doubt that family-based analysis is more powerful for detecting linkage and/or LD.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

The effect of recent rows and policy launches on these polling numbers will, no doubt, be subject to further measurements soon enough.

The Guardian

Were these heavy-rocking odes to debauchery played by a group of butch, tattooed, trucker-types, The Hold Steady would no doubt be subject to ridicule.

Independent

The material is odorless and tasteless, Mr. Alamaro said, and contains antioxidants and vitamin A. It would no doubt be subject to extensive environmental reviews and would initially be tested on a reservoir that is not used for drinking water.

The New York Times

One of Huhne's proposals – which no doubt will be subject to intense lobbying by the energy companies – was to give Ofgem more regulatory powers.

The Guardian

A leitmotif in the use of computerized decision models is the difficulty in applying statistical tools to problems where the true answer is in doubt and may indeed be subject to large variations in clinical practice.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be subject to doubt" when you want to express that something's validity or reliability is questionable or uncertain. It's suitable for academic writing, journalism, and formal discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "be subject to doubt" when you mean "be without doubt". The former indicates uncertainty, while the latter signifies certainty. Using them interchangeably can reverse your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be subject to doubt" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating that a noun or idea is questionable or uncertain. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it applied to various subjects, such as the existence of one's body or the accuracy of data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be subject to doubt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate uncertainty or questionability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English across varied contexts. It finds common application in news, scientific, and academic spheres. The phrase's register tends towards formal, and several alternatives, such as "be open to question" or "be liable to uncertainty", can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Remember to avoid confusing it with "be without doubt", which carries the opposite meaning. Understanding these nuances helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be open to question

Implies something is not definitively settled and can be challenged.

be susceptible to skepticism

Highlights the potential for doubt based on inherent weaknesses or uncertainties.

be liable to uncertainty

Suggests a predisposition to being uncertain or unreliable.

be prone to disbelief

Indicates a tendency to not be believed or accepted.

be under suspicion

Focuses on a state of being suspected or distrusted.

be viewed with skepticism

Highlights how something is perceived by others, indicating a lack of trust.

be called into question

Suggests that the validity or truth of something is being formally challenged.

be up for debate

Indicates that the matter is still being discussed and argued.

be disputable

Highlights the contentious nature of something, suggesting it is likely to be argued.

be contestable

Suggests that something can be challenged or argued against.

FAQs

How can I use "be subject to doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "be subject to doubt" to express that something is questionable or uncertain. For example, "The accuracy of the data may "be subject to doubt" due to the small sample size".

What are some alternatives to "be subject to doubt"?

Alternatives include "be open to question", "be susceptible to skepticism", or "be liable to uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be subject to doubt" and "be beyond doubt"?

"Be subject to doubt" means something is questionable, while "be beyond doubt" means something is certain. They have opposite meanings.

Is it formal to use "be subject to doubt"?

Yes, "be subject to doubt" is generally considered formal and appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. More informal alternatives might include "be questionable" or "be iffy".