doubtfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or skepticism about a situation or statement. Example: "She looked at the proposal doubtfully, unsure if it would succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They agreed, some rather doubtfully, that an EU-Balkan summit which France, as the EU's current president, hopes to hold in November in Croatia, would be useful.

The Economist

France's trade minister says here is the proof that economics and politics cannot be kept apart: statism lives! Britain's trade minister doubtfully insists that "free trade can be fair trade", as if to concur that it quite often isn't (but never fear, he is on the look-out for any sign of unfairness).

The Economist

Our best models are either doubtfully applicable to our unique economic situation or are weakly validated empirically.

The Economist

The picaresque novel originated in Spain with Lazarillo de Tormes (1554; doubtfully attributed to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza), in which the poor boy Lázaro describes his services under seven successive lay and clerical masters, each of whose dubious character is hidden under a mask of hypocrisy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The British Museum has his 12 miniatures of the victories of the emperor Charles V. A manuscript life of Federico, duke of Urbino, in the Vatican Library, is superbly illustrated by him, and many other works are doubtfully attributed to him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 19th-century trade cards (notice for a shop or service) are sometimes included in folk art, but doubtfully so; they were often machine printed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the hidalgo in the Lazarillo de Tormes (published 1554; doubtfully attributed to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza), the first of the picaresque novels, is down and out but would rather starve than work, and he expects his servant, the boy Lazarillo, to scrounge for them both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To this group belong, it is thought, a few large figures that have sometimes been somewhat doubtfully awarded a Tang date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What people earn beyond that is only doubtfully our interest; what their partner's privately sourced income is, is only our interest in extraordinary circumstances.

Independent

"Pork pies," he says doubtfully. "Yeah… it's not quite healthy, is it.

Independent

The beast was doubtfully identified as a wolf or, later, as a lynx.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubtfully" to add nuance when conveying uncertainty or skepticism, providing context to a character's reaction or a speaker's tone.

Common error

Avoid using "doubtfully" when you simply disagree with something. "Doubtfully" implies a lack of certainty, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "doubtfully" is to act as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express the manner in which an action is performed, characterized by doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubtfully" functions as an adverb to express uncertainty or skepticism, found commonly in news, encyclopedic texts, and general writing. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical standing. Alternatives include "dubiously" or "skeptically", for similar expressions with nuances. To enhance your writing, use "doubtfully" to add nuance when conveying a lack of certainty or a hesitant tone. Avoid using it when simply expressing disagreement. Given its frequency and broad applicability, "doubtfully" is a reliable and versatile adverb for expressing uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubiously

Direct synonym, implying uncertainty or suspicion.

skeptically

Emphasizes disbelief or questioning attitude.

uncertainly

Highlights a lack of confidence or sureness.

hesitantly

Indicates pausing or reluctance due to uncertainty.

with reservation

Expresses agreement or acceptance with some misgivings.

with skepticism

Highlights a questioning attitude.

in a dubious manner

More formal way to describe the expression of doubt.

in a questioning way

Focuses on the act of asking oneself if something is true.

with a grain of salt

Indicates not taking something at face value; with some reserve.

with some doubt

Emphasizes the presence of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "doubtfully" in a sentence?

"Doubtfully" is typically used as an adverb to modify a verb, expressing the manner in which an action is performed with doubt or uncertainty. For example, "She looked at the proposal doubtfully".

What are some alternatives to using "doubtfully"?

Alternatives to "doubtfully" include "dubiously", "skeptically", or "uncertainly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "doubtfully agreed"?

Yes, "doubtfully agreed" is grammatically correct. It suggests that the person agreed, but with some reservations or uncertainty. It implies they are not entirely convinced or enthusiastic about the agreement.

What's the difference between "doubtfully" and "hopefully"?

"Doubtfully" expresses uncertainty or skepticism, while "hopefully" expresses a wish or expectation that something will happen. They convey opposite sentiments.