casts doubt upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casts doubt upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that raises uncertainty or skepticism about a particular claim, idea, or situation. Example: "The new evidence casts doubt upon the validity of the previous research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The record, however, casts doubt upon the Court's suggestion that Justice Embry provided the most crucial vote.

Harvard University

This casts doubt upon the possibility, suggested previously, that cosmic ray acceleration occurs in the so-called "reverse shock".

Harvard University

6 Only two of the courts of appeals which have adhered to the admissibility rule appear to have recognized that Wolf casts doubt upon its continuing validity.

Cornell University

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

Our decision today casts doubt upon the lower courts’ resolution of respondent’s challenge to the sufficiency of the indictment on Count One–an issue on which certiorari was neither sought nor granted.

Cornell University

But none of these provisions casts doubt upon the sincerity of the legislators' articulated purpose of "academic freedom" -- unless, of course, one gives that term the obviously erroneous meanings preferred by the Court.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It's hard to know what to make of Master Shortie, the hip-hop persona of former Brit School pupil and West End musical performer Theo Kerlin – and not just because his showbiz past casts doubts upon his hip-hop credentials.

Independent

The report, released Friday night, casts doubts upon the legitimacy of Bledsoe's grade in a specific class, and said that Bledsoe's grades were changed "far more frequently" than others in the class.

The New York Times - Sports

This casts doubts upon the diagnostic value of the "normal" thermogram when taken as an isolated measurement.

British Journal of Cancer

This finding needs addressing as it casts doubts upon whether increased mRNAs of ecdysone biosynthetic genes are really the trigger for critical weight.

eLife

2574, 45 L.Ed.2d 607, and I do not understand today's opinion to cast doubt upon their constitutionality.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casts doubt upon" when you want to express uncertainty or skepticism about a claim or situation based on new information or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "casts doubt upon" when a stronger expression of disbelief or refutation is more appropriate. Reserve this phrase for instances where uncertainty, rather than outright rejection, is the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casts doubt upon" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It introduces an element of uncertainty or skepticism concerning a particular claim, idea, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. The examples illustrate its use across various contexts to express reservations about something's validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casts doubt upon" is a phrase used to express uncertainty or skepticism about a claim, idea, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and it appears frequently across academic, news, and scientific domains. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for scenarios where questioning, rather than outright rejection, is the goal. Alternatives include "raises questions about" or "calls into question". Remember to use it when you want to introduce a note of uncertainty based on new information or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raises questions about

Changes the verb from "casts doubt" to "raises questions", focusing on the act of questioning.

calls into question

Uses a more direct and assertive way to express doubt, implying a challenge to something's validity.

undermines the validity of

Emphasizes the weakening effect on the subject's credibility or truth.

challenges the credibility of

Focuses specifically on questioning someone or something's trustworthiness.

throws suspicion on

Highlights the element of mistrust or wariness regarding the subject.

gives reason to doubt

Presents a justification for skepticism, rather than directly expressing doubt.

casts aspersions on

Suggests a more negative and accusatory form of doubt, implying defamation.

fuels skepticism regarding

Implies an increase in existing doubt or disbelief.

makes one wonder about

Adopts a more contemplative and less assertive tone, suggesting uncertainty.

poses a challenge to

Highlights the confrontational aspect of questioning or disputing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "casts doubt upon" to express uncertainty about a claim. For instance, "The new evidence "casts doubt upon" the original findings."

What are some alternatives to "casts doubt upon"?

Alternatives to "casts doubt upon" include "raises questions about", "calls into question", or "undermines the validity of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "casts doubt upon" formal or informal?

"Casts doubt upon" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more frequently encountered in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.

Which is correct, "casts doubt upon" or "casts doubts upon"?

"Casts doubt upon" is generally preferred. "Casts doubts upon" can be used, but it is less common and might imply a more intense or widespread uncertainty.