cause doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cause doubt' is a correct and usable form of written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something causes doubt or uncertainty in the mind of a person. For example, "The conflicting stories from the witnesses caused doubt as to who was the responsible party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"In light of this, I have decided to stand down as chair of the disputes panel to ensure my wrong and misguided questions on this case do not cause doubt or anxiety about our processes".

The Guardian

with the prescott thing.... id only consider it if he beats mcclosky as the mclosky result still seems to cause doubt.

BBC

The idea of a real possibility is best illustrated by what a TV lawyer would call an "alternative theory of the crime" (van Inwagen, in discussion) which is plausible enough to cause doubt, in the sense of inability to assent, to the proposition that the accused is guilty.

SEP

It earns trust with the victim -- but soon becomes peppered with underhanded comments that cause doubt.

Huffington Post

But you can see how it can cause doubt to creep in, and if this happens multiple times, you may begin to question whether you are in the right major, in the right line of work, or in the right company.

HuffPost

The model diagnostics showed nothing that would cause doubt over the proportional hazards assumption.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Uncertainties related to the future behavior of projected cash flows cause doubts when choosing investments.

Aquaculture

However, the integration of these solutions may cause doubts, since decision making in construction is always associated with uncertainty.

Automation in Construction

There were more mixed economic signals yesterday, which may cause doubts to linger about the outlook.

The New York Times

Pre-empt any red flag areas that might cause doubts in the interviewer's mind.

The Guardian

Delays are also a problem in the general election: they can cause doubts about the result, especially if it changes after election day.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause doubt", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is creating the uncertainty. Stronger verbs can sometimes add impact, but "cause doubt" is suitable for straightforward situations.

Common error

Avoid using vague subjects with "cause doubt". Instead of saying "Things cause doubt", specify what 'things' are causing the doubt to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause doubt" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "doubt" is the noun acting as the object. This phrase indicates the action of generating or producing uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause doubt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something generates uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and example sentences showcase its versatility across diverse contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While "cause doubt" is effective, related phrases like "raise suspicions" or "generate uncertainty" can offer nuanced alternatives. When using "cause doubt", clarity in identifying what is creating the doubt is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate uncertainty

Highlights the creation of a state of being unsure or doubtful.

plant seeds of doubt

Emphasizes the subtle introduction of uncertainty.

raise suspicions

Focuses on creating a feeling of distrust or suspicion.

arouse suspicion

Similar to raising suspicions, but can imply a stronger sense of unease.

provoke questions

Highlights the act of stimulating inquiry and potential uncertainty.

instill skepticism

Focuses on implanting a questioning attitude.

create misgivings

Emphasizes the feeling of apprehension or doubt about something that might happen.

foster distrust

Focuses on nurturing a lack of trust.

cast aspersions

Emphasizes the act of making damaging or unfavorable remarks, leading to doubt.

prompt disbelief

Highlights the action of encouraging a lack of belief.

FAQs

How can I use "cause doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "cause doubt" to indicate that something is creating uncertainty. For example, "The witness's conflicting statements "cause doubt" about the defendant's alibi."

What phrases are similar to "cause doubt"?

Alternatives to "cause doubt" include "raise suspicions", "generate uncertainty", or "instill skepticism", each having slight differences in connotation.

Is it better to say "cause doubt" or "create doubt"?

Both "cause doubt" and "create doubt" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context of the sentence. "Cause doubt" might imply a more direct or immediate effect, while "create doubt" could suggest a more gradual development of uncertainty.

What is the difference between "cause doubt" and "raise a question"?

"Cause doubt" suggests a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief, whereas "raise a question" simply means to bring up an issue for discussion or consideration. While raising a question can sometimes "cause doubt", it doesn't necessarily do so.