doubtful attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

'doubtful attitude' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is showing hesitation or uncertainly about something. For example, "John's doubtful attitude convinced me that he didn't believe what I was saying."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cameron deserves to take a hit for his cavalier attitude towards doubtful donations: they may be legal, but they stink when hedge funders parade into his fundraising balls.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the respondents mentioned having an ambivalent attitude, being doubtful about CAM, skeptical and not interested in using CAM methods.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

At their first clinic, patients' attitudes were often doubtful regarding the reality of their risk of developing T2D within 3 years.

BMC Family Practice

Prospects for belief/desire individuation in non-mental, environmentally externalist terms may look doubtful, especially in cases of conscious attitudes(see Horgan, Tienson and Graham 2006).

SEP

The doubtful factor in planning the Royal Tour was the attitude which would be taken by the supporters of Dr Malan of the Nationalist Party.

The Economist

The American public, "more confused than convinced, more doubtful than despairing...adopted a 'wait and see' attitude".

Wikipedia

Authorities on the island said that its search teams would maintain an attitude of vigilance but suggested it was doubtful any new debris would be found.

Independent

This approach – passionate about the work, doubtful of economic reward – has always been the best attitude for an artist to have throughout history.

The Guardian

Supposedly Fisons' attitude has become more cooperative, but conservations are doubtful about this.

The New Yorker

Graham had great charm, but his attitude to women was very immature and his Catholicism doubtful.

The Guardian - Books

In research conducted by Franciosi (2016), despite faculty acknowledging the beneficial impact of games on student motivation, they nevertheless, remain doubtful about the effectiveness of games in learning outcomes, thus resulting in neutral attitudes.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubtful attitude" to precisely convey a mix of uncertainty and a formed opinion or predisposition. It's more than just uncertainty; it suggests a leaning towards disbelief or skepticism.

Common error

While acceptable, "doubtful attitude" can sound somewhat informal. In professional or academic writing, consider stronger, more precise terms like "skepticism", "reservation", or "uncertainty" to convey a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful attitude" functions as a descriptor, modifying a subject by attributing to them a state of uncertainty or skepticism. Based on the available examples, it's used to express an individual's or a group's perspective towards a situation or idea.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubtful attitude" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of uncertainty or skepticism. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is limited, suggesting it's not the most common way to express this idea. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and general writing, but more formal settings might benefit from stronger alternatives like "skepticism" or "reservations". When using "doubtful attitude", be mindful of its slightly negative connotation and consider if a more neutral term like "uncertainty" would be more appropriate. Its absence from academic databases highlights the more informal nuance of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Skeptical mindset

Focuses on the internal cognitive state of skepticism rather than the outward expression of attitude.

Questioning stance

Emphasizes the act of questioning and investigating, implying a less settled doubt.

Uncertain disposition

Highlights the wavering or unsettled nature of the attitude.

Dubious outlook

Shifts the focus to a broader perspective colored by doubt, rather than a specific attitude.

Apprehensive feeling

Implies a sense of unease or worry accompanying the doubt.

Wary approach

Highlights caution and carefulness stemming from doubt.

Hesitant demeanor

Focuses on the outward behavior of hesitation as a manifestation of doubt.

Suspicious nature

Emphasizes a general tendency towards suspicion rather than a specific instance of doubt.

Incredulous response

Highlights disbelief or skepticism in reaction to something.

Ambivalent sentiment

Indicates mixed feelings, where doubt is only one component.

FAQs

How can I express a "doubtful attitude" without using those exact words?

You can use alternatives such as "skeptical mindset", "questioning stance", or "uncertain disposition" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "doubtful attitude" in a formal report?

While grammatically correct, "doubtful attitude" might be perceived as somewhat informal. In formal reports, consider using more precise and professional terms like "reservations", "skepticism", or "uncertainty".

What's the difference between a "doubtful attitude" and simply being uncertain?

A "doubtful attitude" implies a leaning towards disbelief or skepticism, whereas uncertainty is a more neutral state of not knowing or being sure. A "doubtful attitude" suggests a predisposition against something.

Can "doubtful attitude" be used in a positive way?

Generally, "doubtful attitude" carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of trust or belief. While it could be used ironically, it's usually associated with skepticism or negativity.