cast doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express having some doubts about the truth or accuracy of something. For example, "The evidence presented at the trial cast doubts about the defendant's guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which isn't to cast doubts on her candor.

The New York Times - Arts

Even some top sports officials have been known to cast doubts.

The Guardian - Sport

Problems such as these have cast doubts on whether COP15 can succeed.

The Guardian

Some psychologists' reports have cast doubts about whether Mr Dutroux is a sexual abuser of girls.

The Guardian

Even Glastonbury's Michael Eavis has cast doubts on the sustainability of British festivals.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the federal authorities cast doubts about their reliability, leaving the public as uncertain as ever.

The New York Times

Her comments cast doubts over a newspaper report that said he was making cognitive progress.

The Guardian - Sport

But later he cast doubts on the pre-eminence of the top-rated players.

The New York Times

Even before the suit, the state's fiscal crisis had cast doubts on the law's sustainability.

The New York Times

But medical reports from an internist in Khost who examined Mr. Abdullah on Oct. 13 cast doubts on that conclusion.

The New York Times

It was the keeping bit of his job that cast doubts on his durability: there were simply too many mistakes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cast doubts", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being questioned and why. Providing specific reasons or evidence strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "cast doubts" without specifying what those doubts are. Always provide enough information for the reader to understand the basis of the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast doubts" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically precedes a prepositional phrase (e.g., "on X") to indicate the object or subject that is being questioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast doubts" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When employing "cast doubts", remember to contextualize the subject of the uncertainty to enhance clarity and impact. The expression implies that there are reasons to be skeptical or to question the validity of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge the validity

Highlights a direct confrontation with the truth or accuracy of something.

call into question

Emphasizes a more formal challenge to the validity of something.

express skepticism

Directly states a feeling of doubt or disbelief.

question the reliability

Specifically targets the dependability or trustworthiness of something.

raise questions

Focuses on initiating inquiry rather than instilling uncertainty.

create uncertainty

Focuses on the action of generating a state of being unsure.

undermine confidence

Highlights the weakening of belief or trust.

throw suspicion on

Emphasizes directing suspicion toward something or someone.

arouse suspicion

Shifts the focus to generating distrust or a feeling of uncertainty.

plant seeds of doubt

Implies a subtle and gradual introduction of skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "cast doubts" in a sentence?

You can use "cast doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example, "The new evidence "cast doubts" on the original verdict."

What's an alternative to "cast doubts"?

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

Is it better to say "cast doubt on" or "cast doubts on"?

"Cast doubts on" is generally preferred because "doubts" is plural, implying multiple points of uncertainty. "Cast doubt on" is less common but not grammatically incorrect if referring to a general sense of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "cast doubts" and "arouse suspicion"?

"Cast doubts" suggests a questioning of validity or accuracy, while "arouse suspicion" implies a feeling of distrust or that something may be wrong or illegal. They both express uncertainty, but "arouse suspicion" carries a stronger connotation of potential wrongdoing.