feeling of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence about a situation or decision. Example: "Despite her extensive preparation, she couldn't shake the feeling of doubt before the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Her voiceover says that she's been waiting for him to say he loves her, but she's not feeling the way she thought she would feel and she's having this "overwhelming feeling of doubt".

Huffington Post

At The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, that feeling of doubt was voiced by Favre's agent, who said the Packers didn't make a big effort to make him feel wanted.

The New York Times

Kristen claims that she never actually slept with Rupert Sanders, but Robert still has that nagging feeling of doubt that she did," the source explained.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A persistent inclination toward risky subjects, Mr. Dargel realizes, was shaped by his early feelings of doubt and isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

My feelings of doubt began one year when I was invited to spend Christmas at the home of a Christian friend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

England were fun here: bright on the ball, purposeful off it and apparently unencumbered by any feelings of doubt, anxiety and existential crisis.

The Guardian - Sport

It focuses on Mr Imron as he experiences feelings of doubt and remorse, and also on the families of the people who were killed and the volunteers who tried to help the wounded.

The Economist

"You're constantly having to fight back against these crushing feelings of doubt".

Science Magazine

"We counted on the fact that there would be feelings of doubt or homesickness.

BBC

The lesson: don't sweep nagging feelings of doubt (or nagging feelings of any kind) aside.

Huffington Post

A courage that is often muddled with uncertain and often subconscious feelings of doubt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling of doubt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the doubt pertains to. Be specific about the source or reason for the doubt to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I have a feeling of doubt". Instead, specify the object of your doubt: "I have a feeling of doubt about this plan's feasibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective experience of uncertainty or lack of confidence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of doubt" effectively conveys uncertainty or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While not overly frequent, the expression is suitable for various contexts, from news reports to personal reflections. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the object of your doubt to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "sense of uncertainty" or "lingering doubt" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of sureness, rather than the emotional aspect.

lingering doubt

Emphasizes the persistence of the doubt.

nagging feeling

Highlights the irritating and persistent nature of the feeling.

suspicion

Implies a stronger sense of distrust.

unease

A more general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

apprehension

Focuses on anxiety about the future.

reservations

Implies holding back full support or agreement.

skepticism

A questioning attitude or doubt about something.

lack of conviction

Highlights a lack of strong belief or certainty.

misgivings

Feelings of anxiety or doubt about the wisdom of a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling of doubt" to express uncertainty or a lack of confidence about something. For example: "Despite the evidence, a "feeling of doubt" lingered in her mind".

What's the difference between "feeling of doubt" and "sense of uncertainty"?

"Feeling of doubt" emphasizes the emotional aspect of uncertainty, while "sense of uncertainty" focuses more on the cognitive or intellectual awareness of a lack of sureness. They are interchangeable depending on context.

Are there synonyms for "feeling of doubt"?

Yes, alternatives to "feeling of doubt" include "sense of uncertainty", "lingering doubt", or "nagging feeling". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeling of doubt" formal or informal?

"Feeling of doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.