face of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is confronted with uncertainty or skepticism. Example: "In the face of doubt, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and continued to advocate for her cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Faith is remaining certain in the face of doubt," Fisher said.

The New York Times - Sports

His statement said: "In the face of doubt, openness prevails" and talked of "accountability through transparency".

The Guardian - Tech

And then hope began to buckle a little in the face of doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Holder directed all agencies to presume that "in the face of doubt, openness prevails".

The New York Times

"Great things are done in the face of doubt," said Rangers Coach Tom Renney.

The New York Times

They also transmit the spirit of ravenous curiosity in the face of doubt that shapes "Copenhagen".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

By early afternoon, the stock price was set at $38. Facebook landed its record I.P.O. in the face of doubts about the company's main source of revenue: advertising.

The New York Times

In the face of doubts and many difficulties, the revival of indigenous languages is a growing movement among Native American groups from Hawaii to Cape Cod, and it is fast becoming a new subspeciality in the field of linguistics as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Spolsky (2000), referred to cloze as a "fad" (page 544) that required "selling" (page 545) in the face of doubts regarding its usefulness that were almost a decade old by the end of the 1960s.

Language Testing in Asia

Indeed, he concludes the "Inquiry Concerning Virtue and Merit" by arguing that the evidence identifying the superior mental enjoyments with the natural affections is "as great as that which is found in numbers or mathematics," since it survives even in the face of doubts about the existence of the external world ("Inquiry" 229).

SEP

At the FDA, there's a standard refrain inside the drug review divisions in the face of any doubt: Ask for more information.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face of doubt", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the doubt and who is experiencing it. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "face of doubt" when a simpler term like "uncertainty" or "skepticism" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face of doubt" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun phrase to indicate the circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. Ludwig shows that it's used to describe situations where individuals or entities persevere despite uncertainty or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face of doubt" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe situations marked by uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that the source and object of doubt are well-defined. Remember that simpler terms may sometimes be more appropriate, and prioritize conciseness. Alternatives such as "amid uncertainty" or "despite misgivings" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amid uncertainty

Changes the preposition to indicate a state of being surrounded by uncertainty.

despite misgivings

Highlights the presence of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

confronted with skepticism

Emphasizes the act of being challenged by doubt.

in the teeth of disbelief

Uses a more forceful expression to convey strong opposition or lack of belief.

in light of uncertainties

Focuses on the influence of uncertainties on a situation.

notwithstanding reservations

Acknowledges existing doubts but proceeds regardless.

against a backdrop of uncertainty

Presents uncertainty as a contextual element.

even with qualms

Highlights the presence of uneasy feelings or pangs of conscience.

in defiance of skepticism

Implies a bold or resistant stance against doubt.

in spite of apprehensions

Similar to "despite misgivings" but emphasizes anxiety or fear about the future.

FAQs

What does "face of doubt" mean?

The phrase "face of doubt" describes a situation where someone or something is confronted with uncertainty, skepticism, or disbelief. It often implies resilience or persistence despite these challenges.

How can I use "face of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "face of doubt" to describe how someone acts or feels when confronted with skepticism. For example: "In the "face of doubt", she continued to pursue her dreams."

What are some alternatives to "face of doubt"?

Some alternatives include "amid uncertainty", "despite misgivings", or "confronted with skepticism". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "face of doubt" formal or informal?

"Face of doubt" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in formal writing and speech due to its slightly elevated tone. Simpler alternatives like "despite uncertainty" might be preferred in very informal settings.