casting into doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casting into doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing skepticism or uncertainty about something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The recent findings are casting into doubt the long-held beliefs about the effectiveness of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A defeat would further weaken the commission's position, casting into doubt its ability to coordinate fiscal policy in Europe.

The New York Times

Columbia University said yesterday that it would cut all ties with Biosphere 2, casting into doubt the future of the $200 million ecology experiment that Edward P. Bass, the Texas billionaire and oil heir, built in the Arizona desert.

The New York Times

"I don't like casting into doubt the judgment of the grand jury," he said, "but why couldn't we say that when you're taking away funds that are needed for hiring a lawyer for your defense, you need something more than probable cause?" he asked.

The New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Protests erupted Wednesday in the town that unleashed Syria's five-week uprising, and security forces detained a prominent organizer in the restive city of Homs, casting into doubt government pledges to repeal the harsh emergency laws and grant civil rights in one of the Arab world's most repressive countries.

The New York Times

In capitulating to a chorus of calls for new elections and his resignation, Mr. Cowen said, "The interests of the electorate, of all our people, will not be served by delaying, or worse still casting into doubt, the steps which are necessary to secure our economy and financial stability".

The New York Times

Watching those 110-story towers crumble to the ground was a profoundly unsettling experience, casting into doubt our faith in modern man's ability to control and shape his world.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"But others might be cast into doubt that can lead to losing faith".

The New York Times

But the legitimacy of both votes was cast into doubt even before they occurred.

The New York Times - Sports

That, however, has been cast into doubt by the events of the past few days.

The New York Times

Jeff Otah's future with the Jets was cast into doubt when he failed his physical.

The New York Times - Sports

This fragmentation of theology cast into doubt the coherence of the whole enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casting into doubt" when you want to express a sense of uncertainty or skepticism about something, often suggesting that previous beliefs or assumptions are being challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "casting into doubt" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "making me wonder" or "raising questions" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casting into doubt" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun or noun phrase, to indicate that something is causing uncertainty or questioning the validity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct. The examples provided by Ludwig show it being used to question judgment, future prospects, or legitimacy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "casting into doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing uncertainty or skepticism. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed valid in written English. While it's not overly common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, it's frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. When writing, it's best to use it for questioning previously accepted beliefs, but avoid overuse, especially in informal contexts. Alternatives include ""raising questions about"" and ""calling into question"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising doubts about

Directly introduces uncertainty.

calling into question

More direct and assertive in challenging the validity of something.

challenging the validity of

Directly questions accuracy or legitimacy.

raising questions about

Focuses on initiating inquiry rather than diminishing certainty.

creating uncertainty about

Highlights the introduction of doubt or unpredictability.

undermining confidence in

Emphasizes the weakening of trust or belief.

eroding faith in

Focuses on the gradual loss of confidence or trust.

throwing suspicion on

Suggests a degree of mistrust or skepticism.

casting aspersions on

More accusatory, implying defamation or negative judgment.

fuelling speculation about

Emphasizes increased conjecture or guesswork.

FAQs

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

You can use "casting into doubt" to suggest uncertainty about a claim or situation. For example: "The new evidence is casting into doubt the defendant's alibi".

What can I say instead of "casting into doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "raising questions about", "calling into question", or "raising doubts about" depending on the context.

Is "casting doubt" grammatically correct, or should I use "casting into doubt"?

"Casting doubt" is grammatically correct, however, "casting into doubt" is also a valid phrase that adds a degree of emphasis. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "casting into doubt" and "raising suspicion"?

"Casting into doubt" generally implies a questioning of validity or reliability, whereas "raising suspicion" suggests a belief that something might be wrong or dishonest. The former is broader, while the latter has stronger connotations of mistrust.