becoming doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a shift in one's confidence or certainty about something. Example: "As the project progressed, I found myself becoming doubtful about our initial estimates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Investors are becoming more doubtful of an early recovery, even if business has stabilized, and multiples are starting to come down.

The New York Times

"Confidence in the Q400 has diminished considerably, and our customers are becoming increasingly doubtful about flying in this type of aircraft," the S.A.S. chief executive Mats Jansson said in a statement.

The New York Times

The rain was coming down harder and I was becoming increasingly doubtful of my chances for success.

Forbes

While the Swedish public is becoming increasingly doubtful about annual immigration numbers equivalent to 1% of Sweden's existing population, political parties on the left and right consider an open debate taboo, he says.

BBC

Thus, in the current study, it possible that self-affirmed participants felt more able to decide whether recommendations were reasonable, with active participants becoming more doubtful about whether behaviour change was easy or necessary.

British Journal of Health Psychology

The likelihood of the measure becoming law is very doubtful, however.

The New York Times

Free speech advocates complain that publishers are becoming too quick to remove doubtful content from their websites when complaints are made, without first checking if it breaks local laws.

The Economist

And yet, surrounded by famous men puddling under pressure, American girls are still doubtful about the prospects of a woman becoming president.

The New York Times

I don't want to have to break up over this, but I can feel it becoming a problem, and it's getting me very down and doubtful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet it is doubtful whether he had friends in the true sense, for those whom he helped attached themselves to him without becoming his equals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is becoming doubtful that space shuttle flights will resume this fall, as NASA has planned, because there have been problems developing some required safety upgrades, the space agency's administrator, Sean O'Keefe, said on Thursday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming doubtful" to express a gradual shift in one's certainty about a situation or belief. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is losing confidence in.

Common error

Avoid using "becoming doubtful" when a sudden, strong disbelief is intended. This phrase suggests a gradual process, so choose stronger alternatives like "immediately disbelieved" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming doubtful" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual shift toward uncertainty or skepticism. It suggests a process of losing confidence or conviction about something. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becoming doubtful" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a gradual shift towards uncertainty or skepticism. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is acceptable and appears across various reputable sources, including news media and scientific publications. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context in which it's used, as it implies a process of losing confidence. When a sudden, strong disbelief is intended, consider alternatives like "immediately disbelieved" for more precision. Despite its relatively rare occurrence, "becoming doubtful" remains a useful tool for expressing evolving skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to doubt

Highlights the initial phase of experiencing doubt.

increasingly uncertain

Highlights the growing lack of sureness about something.

growing skeptical

Focuses on a developing sense of disbelief or questioning.

becoming unconvinced

Focuses on the failure to persuade or convince.

turning dubious

Suggests a transformation into a state of uncertainty or hesitation.

getting wary

Implies a cautious or distrustful feeling that's increasing.

developing reservations

Indicates the forming of concerns or hesitations.

growing suspicious

Emphasizes the development of distrust or suspicion.

losing confidence

Emphasizes the diminishing assurance in something.

wavering in belief

Highlights the fluctuation or instability in one's conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "becoming doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "becoming doubtful" to describe a gradual decrease in certainty or confidence. For example, "As the project progressed, I was becoming doubtful about its success."

What's the difference between "becoming doubtful" and "being skeptical"?

"Becoming doubtful" implies a change in state towards uncertainty, while "being skeptical" suggests a general tendency to question or doubt.

Are there any formal alternatives to "becoming doubtful"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "growing increasingly uncertain" or "developing reservations" instead of "becoming doubtful".

What can I say instead of "becoming doubtful"?

You can use alternatives like "growing skeptical", "starting to doubt", or "losing confidence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.