cast doubt upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast doubt upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something has raised uncertainty or skepticism about a particular idea, claim, or situation. Example: "The new evidence presented by the defense attorney cast doubt upon the reliability of the witness's testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Keith Nahigian, Mrs. Bachmann's campaign manager,  cast doubt upon the source of the memo.

The New York Times

We want to apologize for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives.

The New York Times

The league has claimed annual losses of $400 million, a figure that the union has cast doubt upon.

The New York Times

As concern grows about obesity and our health, let's not cast doubt upon milk, one of the most economical and nutrient-rich foods on our tables.

The New York Times

"We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving lives," the announcement said.

The New York Times

"We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives," Ms. Brinker said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Solidarity was the dominant theme on Thursday, whether Fisher was reaffirming the unity of his players association or casting doubt upon the unity of N.B.A. owners amid a critical period in their negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

More important, the government's decision casts doubt upon its commitment to a serious overhaul of the economy, which has yet to decisively rebound from a decade of decline.

The New York Times

A separate Public Citizen report released Tuesday, however, casts doubt upon super PACs' claims of independence.

Huffington Post

While David's column clearly got under Mr. Thomson's skin, I don't see anything in this response that casts doubt upon it.

Huffington Post

So, when Trump says that may not accept the results of the election, it undermines the critical phase of unification and transition in the following ways: It casts doubt upon the legitimacy of the electoral process; disregards the voice of the people as reflected in the ballot outcome; and foments dangerous political divides that the transition is designed to bridge and overcome.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast doubt upon" when you want to express a formal and considered skepticism. It's suitable for situations where you need to convey a sense of uncertainty without outright rejection.

Common error

Avoid using "cast doubt upon" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "make me wonder" or "question" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast doubt upon" functions as a verb phrase that introduces uncertainty or skepticism about something. Ludwig examples demonstrate this phrase operating within sentences to qualify statements or claims. It suggests that there is reason to question the validity or reliability of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cast doubt upon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase, particularly in news and formal contexts, to express skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage. While effective in conveying a sense of considered doubt, it is important to choose it judiciously, considering the context and desired level of formality. Alternatives such as "raise questions about" or "call into question" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express skepticism regarding

Explicitly states a questioning or doubtful attitude.

call into question

Emphasizes a challenge to the validity or legitimacy of something.

challenge the validity of

Directly confronts the truth or accuracy of something.

raise questions about

Focuses on initiating inquiry rather than explicitly expressing doubt.

impugn the credibility of

Attacks the believability or trustworthiness of someone or something.

undermine confidence in

Focuses on diminishing trust or assurance.

create uncertainty about

Highlights the generation of doubt or lack of clarity.

throw suspicion on

Highlights the introduction of distrust or skepticism.

foster disbelief in

Suggests encouraging a lack of belief.

plant seeds of doubt about

Implies subtle or gradual introduction of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "cast doubt upon" in a sentence?

You can use "cast doubt upon" to express uncertainty about a claim or idea, such as, "The new evidence "casts doubt upon" the original theory."

What is a synonym for "cast doubt upon"?

Alternatives to "cast doubt upon" include phrases like "raise questions about", "call into question", or "undermine confidence in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "cast doubt on" or "cast doubt upon"?

While both "cast doubt on" and "cast doubt upon" are grammatically correct, "cast doubt upon" is generally considered more formal and less frequently used in contemporary English. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "cast doubt upon" and "express skepticism regarding"?

"Cast doubt upon" implies a more active introduction of uncertainty, while "express skepticism regarding" simply conveys a questioning attitude. The former suggests something has occurred to create doubt, while the latter is a statement of existing doubt.