express doubt about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express doubt about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have doubts or skepticism about something. For example: "I expressed doubt about the results of the study because I thought the sample size was too small."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

Even serious accounts of the lives of foreigners in China, who number probably in the hundreds of thousands, express doubt about assimilation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

They also express doubts about how serious Mr. Tudjman, an ardent nationalist, is about negotiations.

The New York Times

It's a tough time for parents to express doubts about vaccines.

The Washington Post

You express doubts about expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (editorials, March 1 and 5).

The New York Times

(Less than 10 percent of Americans express doubts about voting for a member of each of those groups).

The New York Times

The activists and enthusiasts were much more likely to express doubts about a Perry candidacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express doubt about" when you want to convey a sense of skepticism or uncertainty, but avoid overuse to maintain impact. Vary your language by using related phrases like "voice skepticism regarding" or "raise concerns regarding" for a more nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "express no doubt about" when you actually mean to convey certainty. Using a double negative can confuse your intended meaning, it's better to use alternatives like "affirm with certainty" or "express confidence in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express doubt about" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate skepticism, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence regarding a particular subject. As Ludwig AI says, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express doubt about" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, its formality is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. For nuanced expression, consider alternatives like "voice skepticism regarding". When aiming for certainty, avoid double negatives, as they can obscure your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unconvinced about

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief, suggesting continued doubt.

question the validity of

This phrase directly challenges the truth or accuracy of something, showing a strong form of doubt.

show uncertainty concerning

A more formal way of saying that someone is not sure about something.

voice skepticism regarding

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar sense of disbelief or uncertainty.

have misgivings about

Suggests a feeling of unease or apprehension, implying doubt about a decision or situation.

find questionable

Describes something that inspires doubt or is perceived as unreliable.

harbor reservations about

This suggests a more private or internal feeling of doubt or hesitation.

lack confidence in

Indicates a absence of faith or assurance regarding someone or something.

view with suspicion

Implies distrust or a lack of confidence in something or someone.

raise concerns regarding

This expresses a worry or unease, which implies a level of doubt about a positive outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "express doubt about" to indicate your skepticism or uncertainty regarding a particular subject. For example, "The analysts "express doubt about" the company's future profitability."

What are some alternatives to "express doubt about"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "question the validity of", "raise concerns regarding", or "remain unconvinced about".

Is it appropriate to use "express doubt about" in formal writing?

Yes, "express doubt about" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives such as "voice skepticism regarding" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "express doubt about" and "express concern about"?

"Express doubt about" specifically indicates uncertainty or disbelief, while "express concern about" suggests worry or unease. You express doubt when you question something's truth or validity, and you express concern when you are worried about potential negative outcomes.