calls into doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calls into doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing skepticism or questioning the validity of a statement, claim, or belief. Example: "The new evidence presented in the trial calls into doubt the defendant's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

All of this calls into doubt Scalia's certainty that he is right.

The New Yorker

Questioning Equiano's origins calls into doubt some fundamental assumptions made in departments of African-American Studies".

The Guardian - Books

That calls into doubt the adequacy of the euro zone's latest attempt to placate the markets, the lagging effort to bolster the $605 billion European Financial Stability Facility to $1.4 trillion or to find other funding.

The New York Times

The revelations – based on information buried deep in documents produced by the nuclear industry itself – calls into doubt repeated assertions that the new European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) will be safer than the old atomic power stations they replace.

Independent

Lanthimos's new film, "The Lobster," by contrast, is eligible for my personal golden-turkey statue; it calls into doubt the very system of production that gives rise to it as well as the critical assumptions that result in its praise.

The New Yorker

The documents, which were first extracted under subpoena by state legislators, takes "Bridgegate", as the saga has inevitably been dubbed, from the level of a local inconvenience for Christie to a national scandal that calls into doubt his political motivations and judgment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The petition was called into doubt almost as soon as it was filed.

The New York Times

I am not calling into doubt what the woman has said.

The Guardian

Russian state media called into doubt the results shortly before they were published.

The Guardian - Sport

It wounded him that his love for and loyalty to the city was ever called into doubt.

The Economist

He is fired by the same ambition for Anfield, where that status has increasingly been called into doubt.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use stronger verbs or more direct statements of disbelief when the evidence for doubt is overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "calls into doubt" without providing any supporting evidence or reasoning. Simply stating that something is doubtful without justification weakens your argument and can be perceived as biased or unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calls into doubt" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something raises uncertainty or skepticism about a particular claim, idea, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression to employ.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calls into doubt" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something raises uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for expressing doubt, challenging validity, or questioning reliability. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone. Alternatives like "raises questions about" or "brings into question" offer similar nuances. Remember to provide supporting evidence when using the phrase to strengthen your argument and avoid unsubstantiated claims. While the expression is useful, Ludwig's analysis suggests it is less common than some similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brings into question

Emphasizes the act of questioning rather than the presence of doubt.

raises questions about

Changes the focus from doubt to inquiry, suggesting further investigation is needed.

challenges the validity of

Directly confronts the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

undermines the credibility of

Focuses specifically on damaging the believability of something.

erodes confidence in

Describes a gradual decrease in trust or certainty.

casts suspicion on

Implies a degree of mistrust or skepticism about something.

gives reason to distrust

Provides a justification for a lack of faith or confidence.

puts in dispute

Highlights the contentious nature of the subject being doubted.

instills skepticism regarding

Focuses on the creation of doubt or disbelief in the audience.

makes one wonder about

Suggests a sense of curiosity and uncertainty, inviting speculation.

FAQs

How can I use "calls into doubt" in a sentence?

Use "calls into doubt" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "The new evidence "calls into doubt" the original findings."

What are some alternatives to "calls into doubt"?

You can use phrases like "raises questions about", "casts suspicion on", or "brings into question" as alternatives to "calls into doubt".

Is it better to say "calls into doubt" or "calls into question"?

Both "calls into doubt" and "calls into question" are valid, but "calls into question" might be more common and generally accepted in formal writing. However, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What's the difference between "calls into doubt" and "disproves"?

"Calls into doubt" suggests uncertainty or weakening of a claim, while "disproves" means definitively showing something to be false. "Calls into doubt" indicates a reason to be skeptical, while "disproves" is a conclusive negation.