doubts surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubts surface" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing situations where uncertainties or concerns become apparent. For example: "As the project progressed, doubts surfaced about its feasibility." Alternative expressions include "doubts arise" and "doubts emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yet look closer and doubts surface.

The Economist

And here a few doubts surface in this delicious film.

The Guardian

These self-described "tosspots" ("losers," according to the glossary in the program) soon wind up in her apartment, where doubts surface, tenderness emerges and tensions occasionally flare.

The New York Times

When these doubts surface, remember the life that you've dreamed of and stay true to yourself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Those doubts surfaced on this trip.

Princeton University

"I don't get it," she said, angrily, the doubts surfacing again.

The New York Times

But after a couple of calmer days in the financial markets, doubts surfaced again.

The Economist

Worst of times Possibly last year, with doubts surfacing about the direction in which he was taking the Telegraph.

The Guardian

Their doubts surfaced late Friday over the abruptly annulled appointment of a Palestinian leader for a senior United Nations post.

The New York Times

He became the first England bowler to be reported under the new ICC regulations after doubts surfaced last October in the Test against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The Guardian - Sport

It was when the skull's fragments found in Petrarch's tomb were reassembled that doubts surfaced about their true nature.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubts surface" to introduce a shift in a narrative or analysis, indicating a change from certainty to uncertainty or questioning.

Common error

Avoid using "doubts surface" in contexts where simpler phrases like "questions arise" would suffice; reserve it for situations where the emergence of doubts carries significant weight or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubts surface" functions as an intransitive verbal phrase, where "doubts" is the subject and "surface" is the verb. It describes the beginning of uncertainty. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubts surface" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the emergence of uncertainty or skepticism. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with secondary use in Academia. While Ludwig confirms it's a correct phrase, overuse in overly dramatic contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives such as "concerns emerge" or "questions arise" for slightly different nuances. The phrase functions as an intransitive verbal phrase, effectively introducing uncertainty into narratives or analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerns emerge

Emphasizes the rise of concerns, rather than specifically doubts.

questions arise

Focuses on the posing of questions, implying uncertainty.

reservations emerge

Highlights the emergence of reservations or hesitations.

uncertainties arise

Stresses the appearance of uncertainties or ambiguities.

apprehensions surface

Highlights the surfacing of apprehensions, implying a level of anxiety.

suspicions arise

Indicates the emergence of suspicions, suggesting a lack of trust.

fears emerge

Focuses specifically on the emergence of fears or anxieties.

misgivings arise

Emphasizes the arising of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

skepticism surfaces

Highlights the surfacing of skepticism or disbelief.

qualms arise

Focuses on the arising of feelings of unease or moral scruples.

FAQs

How can I use "doubts surface" in a sentence?

You can use "doubts surface" to indicate that uncertainties or concerns are beginning to appear, for example: "As the investigation continued, "doubts surface" about the suspect's alibi".

What phrases are similar to "doubts surface"?

Similar phrases include "concerns emerge", "questions arise", or "reservations emerge", all suggesting the appearance of uncertainty.

Is it better to say "doubts surface" or "doubts are surfacing"?

Both "doubts surface" and "doubts are surfacing" are grammatically correct, but "doubts surface" is often preferred for a more concise and impactful statement, while "doubts are surfacing" emphasizes the ongoing process.

What's the difference between "doubts surface" and "concerns are raised"?

"Doubts surface" implies that the uncertainties are emerging naturally or spontaneously, while "concerns are raised" suggests that someone is actively expressing or voicing those uncertainties.