doubt of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubt of" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence about something, but it is more natural to use "doubt about" instead. Example: "She expressed her doubt of his ability to complete the project on time."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was little doubt of the answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I have no doubt of that.

The Guardian

There's no doubt of the suffering.

The Guardian

I have no doubt of your support.

The Guardian

I have no doubt of the goodwill.

The Guardian

History leaves no doubt of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had no doubt of the need.

The New Yorker

There can be little doubt of that.

The New York Times

In fact, doubt of any kind is rarer.

The New Yorker

There is no doubt of Einstein's giant mentality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A jaunty self-confidence has replaced the self-doubt of the early 1990s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using "doubt about" instead of "doubt of" for a more natural and contemporary tone in your writing. This slight adjustment can enhance clarity and make your writing more accessible to a wider audience.

Common error

Avoid using "doubt of" excessively in formal or academic writing. While it isn't strictly incorrect, its relative infrequency compared to alternatives like "doubt about" may make your writing sound stilted or outdated. Instead, opt for the more prevalent and universally accepted "doubt about" for clarity and stylistic appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubt of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase expressing uncertainty or a lack of conviction regarding something. Ludwig's examples show it used to indicate a questioning or skeptical stance towards a person, situation, or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "doubt of" is grammatically acceptable, it is less common in contemporary English compared to alternatives like "doubt about". Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is acceptable but suggests considering more prevalent options for clarity and naturalness. It appears across various contexts, notably in news and media, though its frequency is less than its counterparts. Therefore, while not incorrect, choosing alternatives may enhance the overall impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt about

More common and natural way to express uncertainty regarding something.

uncertainty regarding

Emphasizes the lack of sureness or definiteness about a particular matter.

skepticism concerning

Highlights a questioning attitude or disbelief toward something.

apprehension about

Focuses on anxiety or worry related to a potential outcome.

reservations regarding

Indicates a hesitation or reluctance to fully accept something.

lack of confidence in

Directly expresses a deficit of trust or belief in someone or something.

questioning of

Highlights the act of scrutinizing or challenging something.

suspicion of

Implies a belief that something may be wrong or dishonest.

unease about

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort or anxiety related to something.

misgivings about

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the wisdom of a decision.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "doubt of"?

While technically grammatical, "doubt of" is less common in modern English than alternatives like "doubt about". Using "doubt about" generally results in a more natural-sounding sentence.

When should I use "doubt of" instead of "doubt about"?

Although "doubt of" appears in published works, it is less frequently used. Consider using it to achieve a specific stylistic effect or when directly quoting a source that uses the phrase, but in most cases, "doubt about" is preferable.

What are some alternatives to "doubt of" that I can use in my writing?

Instead of "doubt of", you can use phrases such as "uncertainty regarding", "skepticism concerning", or simply "doubt about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the usage of "doubt of" compare to "doubt about" in contemporary English?

"Doubt about" is significantly more prevalent in contemporary English. While "doubt of" isn't incorrect, it can sound archaic or less natural. Using "doubt about" will usually be clearer and more in line with current usage.