doubtful circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtful circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that are uncertain or questionable in nature. Example: "The investigation was complicated by the presence of doubtful circumstances surrounding the events of that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

EU foreign ministers also released a statement on Monday expressing "deep concern" about the new legislation, which they said was passed under "doubtful procedural circumstances".

BBC

The additional value of MRI for differentiating benign from malignant lesions in these circumstances is doubtful.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Overall, while it is possible that IBD mapping will be useful in some circumstances, it seems doubtful that it will be worthwhile to routinely apply this approach.

Genetics

Whilst the ventilatory cost associated with CO2 clearance would therefore be reduced under such circumstances, it is doubtful that this alone would offer significant advantage to survival or performance at altitude, particularly since, in the context of altitude, ventilatory drive is increased because of hypoxia [ 1].

BioEssays

Indeed, so ineffectual must hurling spring onions be in this circumstance that it's doubtful anyone has ever tried it.

The Guardian - Books

Its influence upon dementia praecox and paranoia is doubtful; on the other hand, in favourable circumstances it can cope with depressive states, even if they are of a severe type.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the Canadian official history argues that "it is doubtful whether Holms would have acted differently under the circumstances".

Wikipedia

A Treasury official said: "I am doubtful whether the Industry Act could in fact be used in these circumstances.

The Guardian

Counterfactuals about what the average person would have done are arguably of doubtful relevance and counterfactuals about what a particular individual would have done in wildly different circumstances may generally lack truth value.

SEP

Without a fundamental belief in their competence, children will likely be doubtful, feel insecure in uncertain situations, and experience reluctance and fear when put in unfamiliar circumstances.

Huffington Post

It seems doubtful therefore that closer government scrutiny into their business practices will do much to improve their already-sticky circumstances.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, use "doubtful circumstances" to suggest that not all facts are known or that there may be reasons to question the official account.

Common error

Avoid using "doubtful circumstances" as a vague critique. Instead, specify which aspects of the circumstances are doubtful and why to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

Doubtful circumstances functions as an adjective-noun phrase, modifying a situation or event. It suggests uncertainty, skepticism, or a lack of clear understanding regarding the context in question. The phrase is generally accepted as grammatically sound and usable, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubtful circumstances" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to express uncertainty or suspicion about a situation. While Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, it's important to specify the nature of the doubt rather than using the phrase as a vague critique. Alternatives such as "questionable conditions" or "uncertain situations" may be used depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circumstances of uncertainty

Rephrases the original, focusing on the uncertainty inherent in the circumstances.

questionable conditions

Focuses on the nature of the conditions being suspect or uncertain, rather than the broader situation.

uncertain situations

Emphasizes the lack of certainty in the given situations.

dubious situations

Highlights the uncertainty and potential untrustworthiness of the situations.

suspicious conditions

Implies that the conditions are not only uncertain but also raise suspicion.

environments of doubt

Shifts the focus to the atmosphere of doubt surrounding the circumstances.

unsettling situations

Emphasizes the anxiety or unease that the situations provoke.

iffy situations

A more informal way of saying that situations are questionable or problematic.

controversial circumstances

Highlights the presence of conflict or disagreement associated with the circumstances.

tenuous situations

Emphasizes the fragility or instability of the situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "doubtful circumstances" to describe a situation where the facts are unclear or questionable. For example, "The investigation was complicated by the presence of doubtful circumstances surrounding the events of that night."

What are some alternatives to "doubtful circumstances"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable conditions", "uncertain situations", or "suspicious circumstances" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doubtful circumstances" a formal or informal phrase?

"Doubtful circumstances" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, more precise language might be preferred.

What does it mean when events occur under "doubtful circumstances"?

When events occur under "doubtful circumstances", it suggests that there is something suspicious or uncertain about the situation. This could imply missing information, conflicting accounts, or potential wrongdoing.