express doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"express doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express being uncertain about something. For example, "I express doubt that the project will be finished by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We did express doubt".

The New York Times - Arts

And woe to those who express doubt.

The New Yorker

However, East, with such an uncertain spade stopper, redoubled to express doubt about her contract.

The New York Times

But it has become an automatic calumny to express doubt about memoirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parents could opt out of any literature in which characters express doubt about God.

The Washington Post

Some intelligence analysts express doubt about how to interpret Al Qaeda's election-year threat.

The New York Times

Ms. Drolet, who did most of the interviewing, was the first to express doubt.

The New York Times

Some analysts express doubt that American and European banks will significantly shed assets at this time.

The New York Times

Lipkin (North) redoubled to express doubt about the final contract, but Radin (South) had nowhere to run.

The New York Times

Traditional Yellow Pages providers express doubt that local search advertising will take away from their traditional print business revenues.

The New York Times

But the Russian military establishment continues to express doubt that any American antimissile shield would remain a limited system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express doubt" to convey uncertainty or skepticism about a claim, plan, or statement. Be specific about what you're doubting and why.

Common error

Avoid using "express doubt" when you mean to completely reject an idea. "Express doubt" implies a level of uncertainty, not outright dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express doubt" functions as a verb phrase, where "express" is the main verb indicating the action of conveying a feeling, and "doubt" is the noun representing the object of that feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express doubt" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While very common, it's essential to use it precisely, making sure to explain the reasons for doubt. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "voice skepticism" or "remain unconvinced" to achieve the desired nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unconvinced

Highlights a lack of persuasion or belief.

lack confidence in

Highlights a deficiency in trust or assurance.

voice skepticism

Replaces "express doubt" with a more formal term, focusing on a questioning attitude.

harbor reservations

Indicates privately held doubts or hesitations about something.

register disbelief

Emphasizes a feeling that something is not true or cannot be accepted.

question the validity

Directly challenges the truth or soundness of a claim or idea.

challenge the premise

Directly questions the foundational assumption or basis of an argument.

show apprehension

Focuses on displaying anxiety or unease about a potential outcome.

cast aspersions on

Suggests negativity or casting of aspersions.

beg to differ

A polite way of expressing disagreement or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "express doubt" to show uncertainty about a statement or situation, such as "Analysts "express doubt" that the economy will recover quickly".

What are some alternatives to "express doubt"?

Alternatives include "voice skepticism", "harbor reservations", or "remain unconvinced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "express doubt" or "express certainty"?

The choice depends on the context. "Express doubt" is used when you are uncertain, while "express certainty" is used when you are confident. The correct choice depends on your true feeling or opinion.

When is it appropriate to "express doubt"?

It's appropriate to "express doubt" when you have reasons to question the validity or feasibility of something. Make sure to explain your reasoning to avoid misunderstandings.