doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or hesitancy about something. For example, "I have my doubts about what the future will bring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyone who remembers his presidency would have doubts about whether this was the whole deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

If anyone doubts this is the Djokovic era, check the tape.

The Guardian - Sport

When, however, the design by the architects Marks Barfield was unveiled, most doubts were cast aside.

The Guardian - Arts

It highlights doubts throughout the Foreign Office at "the way decisions are being made".

The Guardian - Opinion

The clause is sufficiently ambiguous to leave doubts over how the stalemate will be resolved.

The Guardian - Sport

At this year's G20 meeting, it was "rightwing" France and Germany which – having described the financial crisis as the result of Anglo-Saxon "light-touch regulation" – demanded more stringent government supervision of offshore banking and hedge funds, while "social democrat" Britain had doubts about the efficacy of interfering with the private sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

He marched alongside Arthur Scargill during the difficult days of opposition to pit closures and the miners' strike of 1984, but was ready to admit privately to his doubts about Scargill's controversial leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers.

The Guardian

The professor's opinion ran contrary to the legal advice that the Attorney General was receiving from the Foreign Office, which had expressed doubts about the legality of invading Iraq based on UN resolution 1441.

The Guardian

"If following the election doubts emerge about the new government and society's will to implement the programme, the current favourable prospects will reverse," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Brazil will also have to do without Thiago Silva against Germany, ruled out after his second yellow card of the tournament, but it is the news about Neymar that will raise the most doubts about whether Scolari's team have enough quality to go all the way.

The Guardian - Sport

The incident raises further doubts about whether Baltimore police department should have allowed Rice to remain in his job, according to policing experts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubts" to express uncertainty or reservations about something, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being doubted. For example, "I have serious doubts about the feasibility of this plan."

Common error

Avoid presenting "doubts" as definitive truths. Clearly distinguish between expressing uncertainty and stating factual information. For example, instead of saying "The project failed because of my doubts", say "I had doubts about the project, which may have contributed to its failure".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "doubts" is as a noun, typically in the plural form, referring to feelings of uncertainty or lack of conviction. As Ludwig confirms, this usage is correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubts" functions as a noun to express uncertainty or skepticism, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's very common in various contexts, especially in news, sports, and opinion pieces, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance writing, ensure "doubts" are not presented as facts and are used to invite further discussion or scrutiny. Alternatives like "reservations" or "uncertainties" can provide nuanced expressions of hesitation. The authoritative sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times demonstrate its widespread use, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and contextual versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reservations

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or hesitation, often milder than strong disbelief.

uncertainties

Focuses on the lack of certainty or predictability regarding a situation or outcome.

apprehensions

Highlights feelings of anxiety or fear about potential negative consequences.

misgivings

Suggests a sense of doubt or worry about the appropriateness or wisdom of a course of action.

skepticism

Implies a questioning or disbelieving attitude towards claims or statements.

suspicions

Indicates a belief that something is wrong or dishonest without firm proof.

second thoughts

Refers to reconsidering a decision due to lingering doubts or concerns.

qualms

Highlights moral or ethical reservations about a particular action or choice.

lack of conviction

Focuses on the absence of strong belief or confidence in something.

hesitancy

Emphasizes a reluctance or unwillingness to act due to uncertainty or fear.

FAQs

How can I use "doubts" in a sentence?

You can use "doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "She expressed "serious doubts" about the new policy" or "He had "lingering doubts" despite the evidence".

What are some alternatives to the word "doubts"?

Alternatives to "doubts" include "reservations", "uncertainties", "misgivings", or "apprehensions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have a doubt"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say "I have "some doubts"" or "I have a doubt about..." to express a specific concern. Using the plural form "doubts" often conveys a stronger sense of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "doubts" and "fears"?

"Doubts" generally refer to uncertainty or skepticism about something, while "fears" relate to anxiety or apprehension about potential negative outcomes. You might have "doubts" about a plan's success and "fears" about its potential consequences.