doubts that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubts that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clause which expresses a lack of certainty or confidence in something. For example: "John doubts that he will ever find the courage to ask his crush on a date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One doubts that.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody doubts that.

The Guardian - Opinion

No economist doubts that.

The New York Times

Ms Sawhill doubts that would work.

The Economist

But Mrs. Mobley doubts that.

The New York Times

There are serious doubts that will fly.

The New York Times

Sikatari, the foreman who did not protest, doubts that.

The New Yorker

Any doubts that China is Apple's next target?

TechCrunch

But Olshansky doubts that will happen anytime soon.

Science Magazine

One doubts that will occur.

Huffington Post

"We were becoming Venezuela — nobody doubts that.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doubts that" to introduce a clause expressing uncertainty, ensuring the following clause is grammatically complete and logically sound.

Common error

Avoid using "doubt if" in formal writing. While sometimes used colloquially, "doubts that" is the grammatically correct and preferred construction for expressing uncertainty in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubts that" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause expressing uncertainty or disbelief. It indicates that the subject of the main clause has reservations about the truth or validity of the statement in the subordinate clause. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doubts that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce uncertainty or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "suspects that" or "questions whether" exist, "doubts that" provides a clear and direct way to express skepticism. Remember to use "doubts that" rather than the informal "doubt if" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspects that

Expresses a similar lack of certainty, but often implies a stronger degree of suspicion.

questions whether

Focuses on the act of questioning the truth or validity of something.

is skeptical that

Highlights a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

has reservations about

Indicates a feeling of unease or hesitation about something.

is unconvinced that

Emphasizes a lack of persuasion or belief.

finds it hard to believe that

Expresses difficulty in accepting something as true.

is dubious that

Suggests a strong feeling of doubt or suspicion.

is uncertain whether

Highlights a lack of clarity or confidence.

has suspicions that

Implies a belief that something is wrong or dishonest.

hesitates to accept that

Indicates a reluctance to agree or believe something.

FAQs

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

You can use "doubts that" to introduce a clause expressing a lack of certainty or belief. For example, "He doubts that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "doubts that"?

Alternatives include "suspects that", "questions whether", or "is skeptical that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "doubt if" instead of "doubts that"?

While "doubt if" is sometimes used informally, "doubts that" is generally considered the grammatically correct and more formal option.

What is the difference between "doubts that" and "believes that"?

"Doubts that" expresses a lack of certainty or belief, while "believes that" expresses confidence or conviction.