beginning to doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a gradual loss of confidence or belief in something or someone. Example: "After hearing the conflicting reports, I am beginning to doubt the accuracy of the information provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Am beginning to doubt my genius.

The Guardian - Books

"I was really beginning to doubt my ability," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Even so, Storm was beginning to doubt the message.

The Guardian - Books

But I was beginning to doubt that this was such a good idea.

The New Yorker

She left the hospital frustrated and frightened, beginning to doubt that she would survive.

The New York Times - Health

Emily: "Sister, I am beginning to doubt your dedication to the cause".

The Guardian

"At that point, I was really beginning to doubt whether I could win," Henin-Hardenne said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He began to doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

She began to doubt herself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I began to doubt everything," he says.

The Guardian - Books

And then I began to doubt myself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beginning to doubt" to express a gradual shift from certainty to uncertainty. For a sudden shift, consider "suddenly doubted" or "immediately questioned".

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to doubt" when a stronger expression of disbelief is more appropriate. For example, instead of "I'm beginning to doubt that claim after seeing the evidence", use "I strongly doubt that claim after seeing the evidence" if the evidence is compelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to doubt" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initial stages of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It describes a process where one's confidence or belief in something is gradually diminishing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Books

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Health

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beginning to doubt" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a growing sense of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, from news and media to books and scientific discussions. The phrase is generally neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When using "beginning to doubt", consider its gradual nature; for more sudden or intense expressions of doubt, alternative phrases like "suddenly doubted" or "strongly doubt" may be more appropriate. It's also important to be mindful of the intensity needed; avoid using it when a more emphatic expression of disbelief is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to question

Focuses more on the act of questioning rather than the feeling of doubt.

growing uncertain

Emphasizes the increasing nature of the uncertainty.

losing faith in

Indicates a decrease in trust or belief.

becoming skeptical of

Suggests a more critical and questioning attitude.

having second thoughts about

Implies a reconsideration of a previous decision or belief.

beginning to wonder

Highlights curiosity and contemplation alongside doubt.

developing misgivings about

Emphasizes feelings of apprehension or unease.

starting to suspect

Suggests a forming belief, possibly without concrete evidence.

wavering in belief

Indicates a fluctuation or instability in one's convictions.

finding it hard to believe

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something as true.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to doubt" to express a gradual loss of confidence or belief in something. For example, "After the series of failures, I am beginning to doubt our strategy's effectiveness."

What are some alternatives to "beginning to doubt"?

Alternatives include "starting to question", "growing uncertain", or "losing faith in", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "beginning to doubt" or "starting to doubt"?

Both "beginning to doubt" and "starting to doubt" are acceptable, but "beginning to doubt" might imply a more gradual process of losing confidence.

What's the difference between "beginning to doubt" and "already doubting"?

"Beginning to doubt" suggests the doubt is in its initial stages, whereas "already doubting" implies the doubt has been present for some time.