cast a shadow of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

'cast a shadow of doubt' is an acceptable and frequently used expression in written English.
It means to create doubt or uncertainty, such as when someone is accusing someone of something, but the proof is not clear. For example, "The circumstantial evidence casts a shadow of doubt on the suspect's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The inadequacies of Apple's Newton, for example, cast a shadow of doubt on the company's core competencies.

Harvard Business Review

If Pittsburgh's lead holds, the unranked Hawkeyes would fall to 1-2 and cast a shadow of doubt on Kirk Ferentz's future in Iowa City.

The New York Times

They cast a shadow of doubt and distrust over a huge field, raising questions about who is covertly pushing which bill and supporting which candidate, and for which self-serving purposes.

The New York Times

The former Alcoa executive and Nixon and Ford administration budget expert also cast a shadow of doubt on Mr. Bush's contention that tax cuts are the right antidote to the looming economic downturn.

The New York Times

While the PR doesn't deny anything explicitly, it does cast a shadow of doubt.

TechCrunch

The unsolved murder cast a shadow of doubt over her parents.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And it casts a shadow of doubt on Mr. Miller's capacity for self-restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

But it casts a shadow of doubt over his divisive tactics.

The Economist

And we have developed considerable information that casts a shadow of doubt on Mr. Ickes's statement, under oath, that he did not know of anything the White House did regarding the Diamond Walnut strike.

The New York Times

This official's involvement in the scandal "casts a shadow of doubt over the body responsible for receiving all votes," says Eduardo Stein, who is watching the election for the Organisation of American States.Mr Stein wants the government to guarantee a fair election.

The Economist

In the 1979 referendum, the business sector played a significant role in casting a shadow of doubt over the then proposals for devolution.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast a shadow of doubt" when you want to express that something makes a situation or statement seem less certain or trustworthy. It's effective for implying uncertainty without making a direct accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "cast a shadow of doubt" when a stronger phrase like "proves definitively" or "completely refutes" is more appropriate. Overusing it can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a shadow of doubt" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce uncertainty or suspicion. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from questioning someone's innocence to critiquing a political action. The expression is deemed correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast a shadow of doubt" is a correct and acceptable idiomatic phrase used to express uncertainty or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives like "raise questions about" or "arouse suspicion" exist, "cast a shadow of doubt" uniquely conveys a subtle yet pervasive sense of unease. Remember to consider the intensity of your intended message when using this phrase, avoiding overstatement for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create uncertainty

Highlights the generation of a lack of sureness.

call into question

Directly challenges the validity or certainty of something.

foster doubt

Emphasizes the nurturing or promotion of doubt.

raise questions about

Focuses on instigating inquiry rather than creating uncertainty.

throw suspicion on

Directs suspicion towards a specific target.

arouse suspicion

Emphasizes the creation of a feeling of mistrust.

prompt disbelief

Focuses on causing a lack of belief.

engender mistrust

Focuses on the development of a lack of trust.

inject skepticism

Highlights the introduction of a questioning attitude.

plant seeds of skepticism

Suggests a deliberate introduction of doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "cast a shadow of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "cast a shadow of doubt" to suggest uncertainty or suspicion around a topic. For example, "The inconsistencies in his story "cast a shadow of doubt" on his alibi."

What's the difference between "cast doubt" and "cast a shadow of doubt"?

"Cast doubt" is a more direct and forceful way of expressing uncertainty, while "cast a shadow of doubt" implies a more subtle or lingering sense of unease or suspicion.

What can I say instead of "cast a shadow of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "raise questions about", "arouse suspicion", or "call into question depending on the context.

Is it better to "cast a shadow of doubt" or to "prove wrong"?

Whether to ""cast a shadow of doubt"" or "prove wrong" depends on the strength of your evidence. If you have conclusive evidence, "prove wrong" is appropriate. If you have suggestive but not definitive evidence, "cast a shadow of doubt" is more suitable.