doubtful of

USAGE SUMMARY

'doubtful of' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or suspicion about something. For example: She was doubtful of his sincerity when he offered her a job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Are we so doubtful of our worth that others must attest to it?

The New York Times

Even among the most reluctant and doubtful of writers, this willfulness must emerge.

The New Yorker

Some people, doubtful of the government statistics, suspect that the numbers are even higher.

The New York Times

Vitoria was doubtful of the justice of the Spanish conquest of the New World.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We moved on quickly that afternoon, doubtful of ever returning, especially as the wine proved disappointing.

The Guardian - Travel

While Railtrack is keen on this, ministers are doubtful of the benefits.

The Guardian

There to back up the men in the mountains, they were doubtful of seeing any action.

The New York Times

Famously, he was doubtful of Henri Cartier-Bresson's idea of a fleeting and impromptu "decisive moment".

The New Yorker

But Finlayson is doubtful of that: there are simply too many bones, he said.

The Guardian

But the forum he chose left critics doubtful of his good faith.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am doubtful of this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubtful of" to express a lack of certainty or confidence in something. For stronger impact, follow it with a specific reason for your doubt. For example, "I am doubtful of their promises because they have broken them before."

Common error

Avoid using "doubtful of" with abstract nouns that cannot logically inspire doubt. Instead of saying "He was doubtful of success", which is vague, specify what he doubted: "He was doubtful of the team's ability to succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful of" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a state of uncertainty, skepticism, or lack of confidence regarding something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubtful of" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of certainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns to indicate uncertainty. While alternatives like "skeptical about" and "unsure about" exist, "doubtful of" often implies a slightly stronger degree of disbelief. This phrase frequently appears in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Remember to use it thoughtfully and provide specific reasons when expressing your doubts for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious about

Indicates uncertainty or hesitation, differing slightly in connotation.

skeptical about

Emphasizes disbelief or questioning attitude.

unsure about

Focuses on a lack of certainty or confidence.

questioning

Highlights the act of asking or having doubts.

unconvinced about

Stresses the absence of persuasion or belief.

hesitant about

Implies a reluctance or unwillingness due to uncertainty.

suspicious of

Suggests distrust or a belief that something is wrong.

wavering on

Implies indecision or fluctuation in belief.

having reservations about

Indicates underlying concerns or doubts.

not confident in

Highlights a lack of trust or assurance.

FAQs

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

Use "doubtful of" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example, "She was "doubtful of" his claims".

What are some alternatives to "doubtful of"?

Alternatives include "skeptical about", "unsure about", and "dubious about", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "doubtful of" and "doubtful about"?

While both are acceptable, "doubtful of" is slightly more formal. "Doubtful about" is more common in everyday conversation. However, the meaning remains essentially the same.

When should I use "doubtful of" instead of "uncertain about"?

"Doubtful of" often implies a stronger degree of skepticism or disbelief compared to "uncertain about", which simply suggests a lack of certainty.