doubts were expressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubts were expressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where uncertainty or skepticism has been voiced by individuals or groups. Example: "During the meeting, doubts were expressed about the feasibility of the proposed project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Even in January 1919, doubts were expressed.

The Guardian - Film

A year ago, doubts were expressed about his leadership.

The Economist

When the Pentagon chief, Robert M. Gates, unveiled a sweeping overhaul of defense policy, legitimate doubts were expressed.

The New York Times

Doubts were expressed over Netflix's four-film deal with the comic in July after Sandler's latest cinema release, the sci-fi comedy Pixels, bombed at the box office.

The Guardian - Film

These doubts were expressed by the late 1760s, when James Wilson, a Scottish immigrant lawyer living in Philadelphia, wrote an essay on the subject.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virtual reality exposure (VRE) in particular is considered an effective treatment for several anxiety disorders2, on par with in vivo exposure/IVE3,4, though doubts were expressed about the quality of this evidence5.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Doubts are expressed.

The Guardian - Books

Nuclear power provides 77percentt of electricity in France, and relatively few public doubts are expressed.

The New York Times

The blogpost asked rhetorically "What is Autonomy without its marketing?" Similar doubts are expressed by Charlie Hull of Flax, an open source search company.

The Guardian - Business

But nowhere have those doubts been expressed as forcefully as in this poor nation of eight million people, increasingly divided along class and racial lines.

The New York Times

It is claimed that the charity has been lax in its financial procedures, and doubts are expressed about its claim to be supporting 36,000 children a year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using active voice alternatives like "analysts doubted" or "critics questioned" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Common error

While "doubts were expressed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Opt for active voice when possible to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubts were expressed" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that uncertainty or skepticism has been voiced. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its common usage in conveying a lack of confidence or agreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doubts were expressed" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. While the phrase is usable as is, consider more active alternatives to improve directness. Remember to clearly identify who expressed the doubts for better context. The analyzed data confirms that this construction is well-recognized and effectively communicates the presence of reservations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerns were raised

Focuses on anxieties or worries rather than outright doubt.

skepticism was voiced

Highlights the presence of disbelief or questioning.

reservations were voiced

Emphasizes hesitations or conditions attached to acceptance.

questions were asked

Indicates an inquiry or challenge to a statement or idea.

uncertainty was indicated

Directly points out a lack of certainty or clarity.

apprehension was evident

Suggests a sense of anxiety or fear regarding a future event.

misgivings were shared

Highlights feelings of doubt or unease about a decision or course of action.

hesitations were noted

Indicates pauses or reluctance due to uncertainty.

qualms were expressed

Highlights moral or ethical concerns.

unease was communicated

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doubts were expressed" to sound more direct?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "analysts doubted", "critics questioned", or "experts challenged" for a more direct and impactful statement.

What is a more formal alternative to "doubts were expressed"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "reservations were voiced", "concerns were raised", or "skepticism was voiced" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when conveying doubt?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "they doubted") is often more direct and engaging. Passive voice ("doubts were expressed") can be useful when the actor is unknown or less important than the doubt itself.

Are there situations where "doubts were expressed" is the most appropriate choice?

Yes, it is particularly useful when you want to focus on the existence of doubt without emphasizing who expressed it, or when the source of the doubt is already clear from the context.