casts doubt on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casts doubt on whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular statement, claim, or situation. Example: "The recent findings cast doubt on whether the initial hypothesis was accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The new policy casts doubt on whether they have got the balance right.

The New York Times

He casts doubt on whether Dock had even heard the broadcast.

The New Yorker

When Rama is restored to his kingdom, the populace casts doubt on whether Sita remained chaste while a captive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This casts doubt on whether a poor warning response relative to other tornadoes was responsible for the death toll.

The New York Times

In the remaining cases those ends were realized, but Fuhrman said a closer look casts doubt on whether the brinkmanship played an effective role.

Harvard University

It also casts doubt on whether UK operators should be involved with Huawei over the future roll out of telecommunications networks.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This outflow of talent casts doubts on whether the country can achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2020.

BBC

It's the one where some scientists at Stanford University cast doubt on whether organic food is really any more "nutritious" than the nonorganic stuff we ingest.

The New York Times

The announcement has cast doubt on whether Barlow will appear at Sunday's Olympics closing ceremony.

Independent

Doctors have cast doubt on whether infants can be fatally injured through shaking alone.

The New York Times

Some interpretations of the law cast doubt on whether they are indeed immune from Iraqi law.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casts doubt on whether" to express uncertainty about a future event or outcome. It suggests that the likelihood of something happening is diminished due to specific circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "casts doubt on whether" when referring to a past event that has already been proven false. Use it for situations where the outcome is still uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casts doubt on whether" functions as a connector and qualifier, indicating uncertainty or skepticism about a subsequent statement or proposition. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "casts doubt on whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular situation or claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a useful phrase in various contexts. Predominantly featured in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", its neutral register makes it suitable for professional communication. Alternative phrases such as "raises questions about" and "calls into question" offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the tense aligns with the uncertainty being expressed, avoiding its application to definitively disproven past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calls into question

More directly challenges the validity or reliability of something.

instills doubt about

Focuses on creating a feeling of uncertainty.

raises questions about

Focuses on the act of questioning rather than casting doubt.

undermines the belief that

Weakens confidence in a specific idea or statement.

suggests uncertainty regarding

Highlights the lack of certainty surrounding a topic.

creates skepticism about

Emphasizes a feeling of disbelief or distrust.

clouds the certainty of

Indicates a reduction in clarity or confidence.

makes one wonder if

Introduces a sense of pondering or contemplation.

prompts concerns about

Focuses on raising worries or anxieties.

gives rise to suspicion regarding

Suggests that something is potentially untrustworthy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "casts doubt on whether" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "raises questions about" or "calls into question". These options provide a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is it correct to say "casts doubt that" instead of "casts doubt on whether"?

While "casts doubt that" might be used in informal contexts, "casts doubt on whether" is generally preferred in formal writing. "That" typically introduces a factual statement, while "whether" indicates uncertainty between alternatives.

What's the difference between "casts doubt on" and "confirms doubt about"?

"Casts doubt on" suggests creating or increasing uncertainty, while "confirms doubt about" implies reinforcing existing uncertainty. The former introduces skepticism, while the latter acknowledges and validates it.

How to use "casts doubt on whether" in a sentence?

You can use "casts doubt on whether" to express uncertainty about a claim or prediction. For example, "The lack of evidence casts doubt on whether the project will be completed on time."