entertaining doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertaining doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or hesitation about a particular idea or belief. Example: "While I appreciate your perspective, I find myself entertaining doubt about the feasibility of the proposed plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seeing the Patriots and Panthers play in Super Bowl 50 would be entertaining, no doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

The young reader finds it entertaining, no doubt, but is this sufficient justification?

Wikipedia

Meanwhile, Seattle have not had the luxury of even entertaining self-doubt, so all-hands-on-deck has their succession of 90 minute battles been — it's not much of a stretch to suggest they've essentially been playing playoff soccer since July.

The Guardian - Sport

We have been eagerly awaiting Ms Whitaker in Hay for a reprise of this no doubt entertaining performance.

The Guardian - Books

Though no doubt entertaining, Lisa Kudrow in "Web Therapy" (2011-) plays a strongly opinionated, self-disclosing therapist.

Huffington Post

From that innie (or outie; oddly for such a revealing chronicle, he never specifies), Bryson has produced a book so outlandishly and improbably entertaining, you begin to doubt its veracity.

The New York Times - Books

He said that critics, like dentists, are a good deal occupied in hurting people in sensitive places; and as they have to do it in an entertaining manner, which no doubt produces an air of enjoying themselves, they appear like Sadists.

The New Yorker

Fergus would stay because he is, without doubt, the most entertaining chef in the world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In plain English, he was entertaining, and I have no doubt that Ben, whose column will appear every other week, will be, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today's star speaker is Rupert Everett, who will be talking about his second memoir Vanished Years and no doubt telling very entertaining tales of a life in showbiz.

The Guardian - Books

I favor the legalization of gay marriage, but I doubt whether this entertaining and well-crafted feature-length broadside (no pun intended, at all) on its behalf will prove any more effective in influencing legislation than was "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry"—even if, in its earnestness, it might be used more effectively in advocates' fundraising events.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertaining doubt" when you want to express a thoughtful consideration of alternative possibilities, especially when the initial proposition seems appealing or convincing. It implies a willingness to explore beyond the surface.

Common error

Avoid using "entertaining doubt" when you intend to express firm disbelief or dismissal of an idea. "Entertaining doubt" suggests a temporary suspension of judgment, not a permanent conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertaining doubt" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of considering uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, signifying acceptance of the phrase in the language.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertaining doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a state of thoughtfully considering uncertainty or skepticism. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its occurrence is infrequent. It is more commonly found in news and media, wiki, and academic contexts. To nuance your writing, you can consider related phrases like "harboring doubts" or "questioning the validity", each bringing a subtly different shade of meaning. When you use "entertaining doubt", remember that you are suggesting an openness to exploring alternative possibilities, not a firm rejection of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harboring doubts

Focuses on the internal holding of doubts, suggesting a more personal or private questioning.

having reservations

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or hesitation about something, often before making a decision.

questioning the validity

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy of something, indicating a more active form of doubt.

expressing skepticism

Highlights the outward communication of doubt, suggesting a willingness to challenge assumptions.

considering uncertainties

Shifts the focus to acknowledging and weighing potential unknowns.

pondering disbelief

Implies a deeper contemplation of why something might not be true.

weighing skepticism

Suggests a careful evaluation of the reasons to doubt something.

nursing uncertainties

Similar to harboring, but may imply a more cautious or protective approach to one's doubts.

holding suspicions

Suggests a belief that something is wrong or dishonest, often without concrete evidence.

feeling dubious

Expresses a subjective sense of uncertainty or mistrust.

FAQs

How can I use "entertaining doubt" in a sentence?

You might say, "While I appreciate your perspective, I'm "entertaining doubt" about the long-term viability of the project" or "She found herself "entertaining doubt" despite the compelling evidence presented".

What are some alternatives to "entertaining doubt"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "harboring doubts", "having reservations", or "questioning the validity".

Is it grammatically correct to say "entertaining doubt"?

Yes, "entertaining doubt" is grammatically correct. The verb "entertaining" is used in the sense of "considering" or "allowing oneself to think about".

What's the difference between "entertaining doubt" and "expressing skepticism"?

"Entertaining doubt" implies an internal process of considering uncertainties, while "expressing skepticism" suggests an outward communication of those doubts.