cloud of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloud of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where uncertainty or skepticism looms over a decision or belief. Example: "Despite the team's efforts, a cloud of doubt remained about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He produces a healthy little gray cloud of doubt".

The New York Times - Arts

Pennetta said the pain and its accompanying cloud of doubt had finally parted.

The New York Times - Sports

The cloud of doubt and suspicion hovering over Horford is not going to disappear soon.

The New York Times - Sports

"Any time you put another cloud of doubt, unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, you're guilty until proven innocent.

The Guardian

"There shouldn't be a cloud of doubt". Dr. Soffritti's journal article on his findings is at nytimes.com/business.

The New York Times

Hodgson takes his new squad to Switzerland on Wednesday, with the futures of Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano remaining a cloud of doubt ahead of the season.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This time James shot through the cloud of doubts like a lightning bolt, posting 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a historic Game 6 in Boston.

The Guardian - Sport

With only one Democratic opponent remaining on the field, Gov. Bill Clinton has gained the support of a bare majority of Democrats nationwide and his campaign continues to confront a cloud of doubts and reservations, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll.

The New York Times

So when clouds of doubt started to gather over the men in black, the effect was doubly damaging.

The Guardian - Sport

Last week, Gov. Jim Douglas said that recent events had cast "dark clouds of doubt" over the plant, and recommended that the Legislature delay a decision.

The New York Times

Vermont's governor, Jim Douglas, a longtime supporter of the plant, said on Wednesday in a statement that recent events had "raised dark clouds of doubt" about the reactor's safety and management.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloud of doubt" to describe situations where uncertainty significantly impacts decisions, reputations, or outcomes. This metaphor is particularly effective in conveying a sense of pervasive skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "cloud of doubt" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your descriptions of uncertainty with phrases like "shadow of uncertainty" or "lingering questions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It metaphorically represents a state of uncertainty, suspicion, or lack of confidence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloud of doubt" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express uncertainty or skepticism, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "shadow of uncertainty" to maintain the impact of your writing. Use it judiciously to describe situations where uncertainty significantly influences outcomes or perceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shadow of uncertainty

Replaces "cloud" with "shadow", suggesting a slightly more ominous or lingering sense of uncertainty.

Veil of skepticism

Uses "veil" to imply a partially concealed doubt, suggesting a more subtle form of skepticism.

Air of uncertainty

Substitutes "cloud" with "air", conveying a lighter, more pervasive sense of doubt.

Sense of unease

Focuses on the feeling caused by the doubt, rather than the doubt itself.

Lingering questions

Shifts the focus to the unresolved questions that create doubt.

Under a shadow of suspicion

Emphasizes the aspect of suspicion rather than general doubt.

Questions remain

A more direct way of saying there is still doubt.

Uncertainty prevails

Highlights the dominance of uncertainty in a situation.

Speculation abounds

Focuses on the speculative nature arising from the lack of clarity.

A climate of distrust

Emphasizes the lack of trust associated with the doubt.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cloud of doubt" in a sentence?

Use "cloud of doubt" to describe situations where uncertainty or skepticism is negatively affecting something. For example, "The scandal cast a "cloud of doubt" over the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "cloud of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "shadow of uncertainty", "veil of skepticism", or "air of uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a cloud of doubts" instead of "a cloud of doubt"?

While "doubts" is a plural noun, the phrase "cloud of doubt" typically uses the singular form to refer to a general state of uncertainty, making it grammatically preferred.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "cloud of doubt"?

The phrase "cloud of doubt" is suitable for contexts where uncertainty or skepticism is a major factor, such as legal cases, political situations, or scientific findings. The phrase is a metaphor, so it's appropriate for adding a descriptive and evocative element to the text.