doubted himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubted himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is experiencing uncertainty or lack of confidence in their own abilities or decisions. Example: "After receiving the critical feedback, he really doubted himself and questioned his skills as a writer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He never doubted himself.

The New Yorker

Andy looked like he never doubted himself.

The Guardian - Sport

He never doubted himself this whole time.

The New York Times - Sports

He never doubted himself, even if others did.

The New York Times - Sports

From that moment, Jenkins insisted he never doubted himself.

The New York Times - Sports

For much of his life, he had doubted himself".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He started to doubt himself.

The New York Times

And doubt himself.

The New Yorker

And like anyone, he can doubt himself.

The New York Times

But if others doubted him, he did not doubt himself.

The New York Times - Sports

He has no reason to doubt himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doubted himself", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's prior level of confidence or self-belief to highlight the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "doubted himself" when the subject has always been insecure. The phrase implies a change from a state of confidence to one of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubted himself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of uncertainty or lack of confidence in one's own abilities or decisions. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doubted himself" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a male subject's experience of self-doubt or loss of confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it’s important to ensure the context aligns with its meaning, implying a change from a state of confidence. Alternatives like "questioned his abilities" or "lacked self-assurance" can be used to add nuance. Ensure to consider the specific situation before using the phrase for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unsure of himself

Highlights the lack of certainty about his self-perception.

questioned his abilities

Highlights the act of scrutinizing one's own skills and capabilities.

lost faith in himself

Indicates a diminished belief in one's own capabilities or potential.

lacked self-assurance

Focuses on the absence of confidence as a state, rather than a specific instance of doubting.

lacked confidence in his abilities

Directly addresses the deficiency in believing in his own skills.

felt uncertain about himself

Emphasizes the feeling of unease and lack of certainty regarding one's self.

felt insecure about his capabilities

Focuses on the emotional aspect of feeling inadequate in one's skills.

harbored self-doubt

Implies a more internal and persistent state of questioning oneself.

second-guessed his decisions

Concentrates on re-evaluating and questioning choices already made.

was plagued by self-doubt

Suggests a recurring and troublesome experience of lacking confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "doubted himself" in a sentence?

Use "doubted himself" to indicate a shift in someone's confidence. For example, "After the setback, he "doubted himself" and considered changing his approach".

What are some alternatives to saying "doubted himself"?

Alternatives include "questioned his abilities", "lost faith in himself", or "lacked self-assurance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "doubted himself"?

Yes, "doubted himself" is grammatically correct when referring to a male subject. It indicates that he experienced self-doubt or a lack of confidence.

What's the difference between "doubted himself" and "doubted his ability"?

"Doubted himself" is more general, implying a questioning of his overall capabilities or worth. "Doubted his ability" is more specific, referring to uncertainty about a particular skill or competence.