creating doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"creating doubt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is causing uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "His vague answers were creating doubt about his intentions." Alternative expressions include "instilling doubt" and "fostering uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It also punishes selfish non-donors by creating doubt about the availability of organs for them.

The Economist

Could those labels actually be effective in creating doubt in smokers regarding their dangerous habit?

The New York Times

Some experts even say that using them could backfire by creating doubt in prospective employers' minds about the depth of a candidate's commitment.

The New York Times

Mr. Grosboll's words are "creating doubt and confusion about the church's values," Bishop Lise-Lotte Rebel, who oversees Mr. Grosboll's parish, told an Agence France-Presse reporter on June 13.

The New York Times

"I think those opposing the transformation towards a low carbon economy have been exceptionally good at creating noise, creating doubt on the value of science and producing as their product basically doubt.

The Guardian

She suggested that the defense had succeeded in creating doubt about the prosecution case with expert witnesses and said prosecutors had erred in not pushing hard for the jury to consider a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is struggling to retain power and creating doubts about Turkey's ability to cope with its problems.

The New York Times

"One of the elements that was creating doubts in the market has been dealt with in a proper way," he said.

The New York Times

It creates doubt — it creates, by its very nature, ambiguity.

The New Yorker

Anxiety and anger can create doubt around people's intentions.

The Guardian

Peja Stojakovic's groin injury creates doubt about the Kings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "creating doubt" when you want to emphasize the active role of someone or something in instilling uncertainty or skepticism. For instance, "The politician's vague statements were creating doubt about his true intentions."

Common error

While "creating doubt" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more nuanced or sophisticated language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "engendering skepticism" or "fostering uncertainty" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The gerund phrase "creating doubt" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of instilling uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "creating doubt" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the action of instilling uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI explains, it's acceptable in various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific academic or professional settings. Consider related phrases like "instilling skepticism" or "fostering uncertainty" for nuanced expressions. Remember to use the phrase strategically, particularly when emphasizing the active role in the process of causing uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instilling skepticism

Focuses on planting seeds of disbelief.

fostering uncertainty

Highlights the nurturing of an uncertain environment.

generating disbelief

Emphasizes the production of incredulity.

raising questions

Shifts the focus to posing inquiries that provoke doubt.

sowing seeds of suspicion

Implies a deliberate act of spreading mistrust.

provoking incredulity

Highlights the act of causing disbelief as a reaction.

planting misgivings

Focuses on instilling feelings of apprehension.

inducing skepticism

Suggests subtly causing a state of doubt.

triggering uncertainty

Emphasizes an action causing instability and doubt.

casting aspersions

Implies suggesting negative or unfavorable judgments, indirectly creating doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "creating doubt" to describe the action of causing uncertainty or skepticism. For example: "The company's misleading advertising was "creating doubt" among consumers."

What's a more formal way to say "creating doubt"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "engendering skepticism" or "fostering uncertainty".

Is "creating doubt" the same as "casting doubt"?

While similar, "creating doubt" emphasizes the active process of instilling uncertainty, whereas "casting doubt" often refers to a more indirect or suggestive form of creating uncertainty.

What words commonly follow "creating doubt"?

Common words that follow "creating doubt" include "about", "regarding", "concerning", or phrases specifying what the doubt pertains to. For example: "creating doubt about the project's feasibility".