deemed doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deemed doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something is considered to be uncertain or questionable. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was deemed doubtful by the jury, leading to a mistrial."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Since the tumor had been small and difficult to locate preoperatively, the completeness of the resection was deemed doubtful.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was also isolated from respiratory sources but the pulmonary infection was deemed possible to doubtful in a patient primary diagnosed with cancer [ 9].

BMC Infectious Diseases

At one time the recording of an already established work of art was deemed "uncinematic" and thought to be a doubtful use of the medium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Irritant or doubtful reactions, including sharply demarcated confluent erythema, or reactions confined to margins without infiltration, were deemed negative.

BMC Pediatrics

Consensus is deemed reached after an overwhelming vote on an issue at hand and or hearing out and convincing the last doubtful voice.

BMC Medical Education

From 1882 to 1885, independent European businessmen and firms (many of doubtful legitimacy) produced hundreds of deeds purporting to buy political rights from indigenous African leaders whose understanding of these agreements was usually deemed irrelevant.

Harvard University

You have a doubtful skepticism toward life and a bitter resentment toward those you deem more lucky and privileged.

HuffPost

(Extremely doubtful).

The New York Times

Doubtful glances.

The New York Times - Arts

'Racist?' Doubtful".

The Guardian - Film

Spurious and doubtful works.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deemed doubtful" to express a formal assessment of uncertainty, particularly when an authority or expert has made the judgment. For instance, "The expert deemed the evidence doubtful".

Common error

Avoid using "deemed doubtful" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "thought unlikely" or "seemed questionable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deemed doubtful" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something has been judged or considered to be uncertain or questionable. It suggests a formal assessment of doubt, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deemed doubtful" is grammatically correct and is used to formally express that something has been judged as uncertain or questionable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, suggesting it's best suited for formal and professional contexts. While alternatives like "considered questionable" or "regarded as uncertain" exist, "deemed doubtful" is more precise when indicating a formal judgment. Overusing it in informal settings should be avoided. Usage patterns indicate its prominence in scientific, academic, and news media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered questionable

Focuses on the act of considering something with doubt.

regarded as uncertain

Emphasizes the uncertainty associated with something.

viewed with skepticism

Highlights a skeptical perspective.

thought to be improbable

Indicates a low probability or likelihood.

presumed unlikely

Suggests a presumption against the likelihood of something.

judged as dubious

Emphasizes a judgment of doubtfulness or untrustworthiness.

perceived as suspect

Focuses on the perception of something being questionable.

considered implausible

Highlights the lack of plausibility.

assumed to be uncertain

Emphasizes that the uncertainty is an assumption.

seen as unconvincing

Indicates a lack of persuasiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "deemed doubtful" in a sentence?

Use "deemed doubtful" when you want to express that something has been officially or formally considered and judged to be uncertain or questionable. For example: "The committee "deemed doubtful" the project's feasibility after reviewing the initial reports."

What are some alternatives to "deemed doubtful"?

You can use alternatives such as "considered questionable", "regarded as uncertain", or "viewed with skepticism" depending on the context.

Is "deemed doubtful" appropriate for informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "deemed doubtful" is more suited for formal writing or professional settings. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "thought unlikely" or "seemed questionable" are often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "deemed doubtful" and "seemed doubtful"?

"Deemed doubtful" implies a formal judgment or assessment has been made, while "seemed doubtful" suggests a more general impression or observation of uncertainty. The former carries a greater weight of authority or expertise.