doubting about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubting about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing doubt or uncertainty regarding something. For example: "I was doubting about going to the party, but eventually I decided to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Especially when they get to be six, seven, eight and start doubting about whether Santa is real.

The New York Times

Asked about the pair's commitment to Southampton, Koeman said: "I'm not doubting about that.

BBC

We identified three main different attitudes towards informal payments: accepting informal payments, doubting about informal payments and opposing informal payments.

BMC Health Services Research

Based on the above characteristics of the three groups, we define Group 1 as accepting informal payments, Group 2 as doubting about informal payments and Group 3 as opposing informal payments.

BMC Health Services Research

"Some slight obsessive doubting about his ability hampers his functioning, or otherwise he would score within the very superior range.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

First doubts about research.

Science Magazine

I doubt about everything, even about my doubts.

Forbes

Some surgeons might doubt about its lengthening effect.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

There are doubts about both.

The Economist

Doubts about religion.

The New York Times

Doubts about factual accuracy?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doubting about", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being doubted. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "doubting about" can sound less formal than alternatives like "uncertain regarding" or "skeptical of". Consider the register of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubting about" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a state of uncertainty or skepticism. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the subject's feelings toward something. Ludwig AI examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doubting about" serves to express uncertainty or skepticism. While grammatically correct, it is more common in neutral to slightly informal contexts, as evidenced by its frequent usage in News & Media and Science. Ludwig AI notes that more formal alternatives might be preferable for professional or academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being doubted. Alternative phrasings, such as "uncertain about" or "skeptical of", can offer a nuanced way to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not convinced about

Directly states a lack of conviction, highlighting the absence of complete belief.

Uncertain about

Emphasizes a lack of certainty, presenting a neutral expression of doubt.

Feeling dubious about

Adds a subjective element, emphasizing the personal feeling of doubt.

Questioning whether

Replaces "doubting about" with a more explicit expression of questioning, focusing on the uncertainty of a specific outcome.

Hesitant regarding

Focuses on the pause or reluctance caused by doubt, emphasizing a lack of eagerness.

Skeptical of

Uses a more direct adjective to express doubt, emphasizing a general feeling of disbelief.

Expressing skepticism toward

Highlights the outward manifestation of doubt, indicating an active expression of disbelief.

Having reservations regarding

Introduces a more formal tone to convey doubt, focusing on holding back complete acceptance.

Wary of

Implies a cautious approach due to doubt, focusing on potential risks or negative outcomes.

Harboring doubts concerning

Suggests a lingering sense of uncertainty, making the doubt a more internal state.

FAQs

How can I use "doubting about" in a sentence?

You can use "doubting about" to express uncertainty or skepticism regarding something. For example, "I was doubting about the accuracy of the report".

What's a more formal alternative to "doubting about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "uncertain about", "skeptical of", or "having reservations regarding".

Is "doubting about" always grammatically correct?

While generally acceptable, the appropriateness of "doubting about" depends on the context. It's crucial to ensure the sentence structure is coherent and the meaning is clear. In some cases, rephrasing may provide better clarity.

What's the difference between "doubting about" and "having doubts about"?

"Doubting about" emphasizes the act of questioning, while "having doubts about" focuses on the existence of uncertainty. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or the state of uncertainty.