expressed doubt that

USAGE SUMMARY

"expressed doubt that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you doubt something or are questioning something. For example, "John expressed doubt that he would be able to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Shah expressed doubt that Khomeini would agree to that.

The New Yorker

She expressed doubt that they couldn't remember October 7th.

The New Yorker

She expressed doubt that it can ever be really popular.

The New Yorker

But he also expressed doubt that voters would blame politicians.

The New York Times

Privately, he expressed doubt that the Red Sox would succeed.

The New York Times - Sports

Lockett's attorneys expressed doubt that the review would be independent.

The Guardian

Mr. Erekat expressed doubt that things would change this time.

The New York Times

Several expressed doubt that all of them were guilty.

The New York Times

As a candidate in 2000, he expressed doubt that human activity was responsible for global warming.

The Washington Post

In the interview, Ms. Winfrey expressed doubt that the jogger would feel no resentment.

The New York Times

He even expressed doubt that prisoners needed to attend their hearings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressed doubt that" to convey a formal tone when questioning the validity or likelihood of a statement or event. For a less formal situation, consider a more direct phrase such as "doubted that".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "express". The correct form is "expressed doubt that". Avoid phrases like "expressed doubt on" or "expressed doubt about" when introducing a clause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed doubt that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates the act of voicing uncertainty or skepticism regarding the truth or likelihood of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed doubt that" is a versatile phrase used to convey uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and frequently employed across different contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "voiced skepticism that" or "raised questions whether" exist, "expressed doubt that" remains a common and appropriate choice for formal and objective communication. When using the phrase, ensure correct prepositional usage and consider the overall tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voiced skepticism that

Replaces "doubt" with "skepticism", emphasizing a questioning attitude.

was unconvinced that

Emphasizes a lack of belief or persuasion.

was dubious that

Uses a more concise expression to convey a feeling of disbelief.

expressed reservations about

Highlights concerns or hesitations regarding a particular issue.

expressed uncertainty about

Highlights a lack of sureness or confidence.

raised questions whether

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

remained skeptical of

Suggests an ongoing state of doubt or disbelief.

questioned whether

Simplifies the phrase to a direct inquiry about the possibility of something.

cast doubt on

Indicates the act of introducing uncertainty about something.

harbored suspicions that

Implies a secret or unacknowledged feeling of distrust.

FAQs

How can I use "expressed doubt that" in a sentence?

You can use "expressed doubt that" to introduce a statement of uncertainty or disbelief. For example, "The analyst "expressed doubt that" the company would meet its projected earnings."

What are some alternatives to "expressed doubt that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "voiced skepticism that", "raised questions whether", or "was dubious that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "expressed doubt that" or "doubted that"?

"Expressed doubt that" is generally considered more formal than simply "doubted that". The former is often used in professional or academic contexts, while the latter is suitable for more casual communication.

What's the difference between "expressed doubt that" and "expressed concern that"?

"Expressed doubt that" indicates uncertainty or disbelief, while "expressed concern that" indicates worry or apprehension. For example, one might "expressed doubt that" a plan will succeed, but "expressed concern that" it might cause harm.