but doubtless not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but doubtless not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express certainty about something while simultaneously indicating that the opposite is also true or that there is a lack of doubt regarding a negative aspect. Example: "He is talented, but doubtless not the best in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite their perilous state, the two Express titles still have some kudos as a brand, so I imagine someone would buy them – but, doubtless, not at the kind of price Desmond would wish.

The Guardian

De Palma's "Carrie" is a forebear of "Django Unchained"; Peirce's "Carrie" isn't as daring or as significant as "12 Years a Slave," but it tells a familiar story with new sympathies and taps a vein of Americana that — perhaps to Peirce's surprise but doubtless not to McQueen's — turns out also to be inextricable from Africana.

The New Yorker

All of the uncomfortable practicalities of undressing, the likelihood of some foreplay — all of the time-unfolding elements of the action are eliminated in the interest of dispensing a bit of information: they have sex, whoever "they" are — the man is anonymous to viewers but doubtless not to Christine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But this is doubtless not the last of the Clinton campaign's dirty tricks.

The Guardian

Ike Turner was, doubtless, not all bad, but Tina's terse comment last week made a damning epitaph: 'Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today.

The Guardian - Music

And that is why this week's operation in Gaza is widely viewed as having been inevitable, another painful but necessary maintenance operation that, officials here say, will doubtless not be the last.

The New York Times

The Times's assistant general counsel, George Freeman, said the paper would doubtless not have published victim's names, but that, "as a point of principle, the ruling should have included a presumption of the public's viewing everything that was in open court".

The New York Times

We are doubtless not the only ones to point this out, but we did notice and point out to others that at least the Aczel theory has a perfectly obvious analogue of the cumulative hierarchy.

SEP

Which would doubtless not upset the general too much.

The Economist

Together they will doubtless not be able to save Weidmann's head.

The New Yorker

He made his unbreakable bond with me – one he was doubtless not even aware of – on Saturday 11 July 1987.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but doubtless not" to introduce a contrast while confidently negating a particular aspect or outcome. It's useful when you want to express a nuanced perspective, acknowledging one thing while firmly dismissing another.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "but doubtless not" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but probably not" or "but I doubt it" in such situations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but doubtless not" functions as a conjunctive phrase, linking two clauses while expressing a contrast and a degree of certainty about the negation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but doubtless not" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a contrast while expressing certainty about a negation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable. While the phrase appears across different contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. Although appropriate in a variety of contexts, its formal tone is better suited to formal writing. Alternatives like ""but certainly not"" and ""but surely not"" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but certainly not

Replaces "doubtless" with "certainly", emphasizing the strength of the negation.

but undoubtedly not

Replaces "doubtless" with "undoubtedly", maintaining a similar level of formality and emphasis.

but surely not

Substitutes "doubtless" with "surely", softening the tone slightly while retaining the sense of conviction.

but definitely not

Uses "definitely" in place of "doubtless" to underscore the absence of doubt.

but assuredly not

Employs "assuredly" for a more formal and emphatic negation.

but in all likelihood, not

Adds a degree of probability to the negation, suggesting a strong expectation.

but I'm quite sure it isn't

Replaces "doubtless" with a personal declaration of certainty about the negative.

but it is unlikely

Expresses a lack of probability rather than certainty.

but it's probably not

Offers a less formal and more tentative expression of improbability.

but I highly doubt it

Conveys a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "but doubtless not" in a sentence?

You can use "but doubtless not" to introduce a contrasting point while expressing certainty about the negated aspect. For example: "The task is challenging, but "but doubtless not" impossible."

What are some alternatives to "but doubtless not"?

Some alternatives include "but certainly not", "but surely not", or "but definitely not", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "but doubtless not" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "but doubtless not" is more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives to maintain a natural tone.

What is the difference between "but doubtless not" and "but probably not"?

"But doubtless not" conveys a stronger sense of certainty in the negation, while "but probably not" indicates a higher degree of uncertainty and is less assertive.