casting doubt on

USAGE SUMMARY

"casting doubt on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are not sure if something is true or correct. Example: Many scientists are casting doubt on the reliability of the new study.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Cuban's lawyers had little trouble casting doubt on Mr. Fauré.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Arabs in the north are casting doubt on Kurdish voter rolls.

The Economist

The problem is that the unrest is casting doubt on some of these positive factors.

The New York Times

Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown, casting doubt on the dishonorable discharge.

The New York Times

The appeals court cited social science studies casting doubt on the reliability of witness identification.

The New York Times

David ducked chances to fight Mr Brown for the leadership, casting doubt on his inner steel.

The Economist

Then Sallie M. Wheeler died on Sept. 21, again casting doubt on the show's future.

The New York Times - Sports

Phi Kappa Psi, meanwhile, produced evidence casting doubt on the date Jackie claimed she was raped.

The Guardian

Several decades of casting doubt on the consensus has contributed to maintaining the consensus gap.

The Guardian

He also seems to be casting doubt on my right to be alive at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

It flashes backwards and forwards, casting doubt on the truth of what is staged.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "casting doubt on", ensure that you provide supporting evidence or reasoning to explain why there is reason to be uncertain. This strengthens your argument and avoids making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid frequently using "casting doubt on" without providing concrete evidence or reasons. Overuse can weaken your argument and make you appear biased or lacking in credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casting doubt on" functions as a verb phrase that expresses uncertainty or skepticism about something. It's typically used to challenge the validity or reliability of a claim, statement, or piece of evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casting doubt on" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. Its primary function is to challenge the validity or reliability of something, encouraging critical thinking. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal/business settings. When using this phrase, remember to provide supporting evidence to strengthen your argument and avoid overuse. Alternatives include "raising questions about", "calling into question", and "expressing skepticism about" for a nuanced expression. Overall, this phrase is a powerful tool for introducing skepticism and encouraging critical evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning the validity of

Directly challenges the accuracy or truth of something.

calling into question

A more formal and direct way of expressing doubt.

raising questions about

Focuses more on eliciting inquiry rather than direct disbelief.

expressing skepticism about

Highlights the feeling of doubt or disbelief.

challenging the authenticity of

Specifically targets the genuineness of something.

undermining the credibility of

Focuses on weakening someone's or something's believability.

creating uncertainty about

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or sureness.

arousing suspicion about

Suggests a sense of mistrust or wariness.

throwing suspicion on

Similar to arousing suspicion but more active.

impugning the integrity of

A strong accusation implying dishonesty or moral deficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "casting doubt on" in a sentence?

You can use "casting doubt on" to express uncertainty about something. For example, "New evidence is "casting doubt on" the original findings of the study".

What's a more formal way to say "casting doubt on"?

A more formal alternative is "calling into question". For example, "The senator's actions "called into question" his commitment to ethical governance".

What can I say instead of "casting doubt on" to express skepticism?

You could use "expressing skepticism about". For example, "Experts are "expressing skepticism about" the long-term effects of the new policy".

When is it appropriate to use "casting doubt on" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "casting doubt on" when you have reason to believe that something may not be entirely accurate or reliable, and you want to introduce a degree of uncertainty or skepticism into the discussion.