flicker of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a brief moment of uncertainty or hesitation. For example, "She hesitated for a flicker of doubt before deciding to make the call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was the briefest flicker of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We argued for some time, but no flicker of doubt entered his mind.

The New Yorker

I mostly agree with these sentiments, but I do have one flicker of doubt about them.

The New York Times

But even a flicker of doubt about his ability to last six more years shows how profoundly Russia has changed.

The New York Times

Result: Ranj started off well, correctly identifying the mutton curry, ploughing through the chicken without a flicker of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The moviegoing masses still seem to have a flicker of doubt that she earned that Oscar, perhaps because her first big movie after winning it was "The Heat".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He wanted to capture the occasional flickers of doubt when a character questions the morality of his actions.

The Economist

While polls earlier this month showed the first flickers of doubt about Bush's conduct, his 58percentt approval rating is identical to Reagan's when he won his 49-state re-election victory in 1984.

The New York Times - Magazine

She showed no flicker of self doubt as she defeated Turkey's Houda Miled by Ippon – a match-ending move – after only 57 seconds in the opening round.

The Guardian - Sport

They think they are superior". However, without a flicker of a doubt, he adds that if they come to Touba, "they will be dazzled by the light of Amadou Bamba".

BBC

He appears, in fact, to be a man unencumbered by even a shadow of a sense of humour, or the tiniest flicker of a doubt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of doubt" to describe a momentary hesitation or wavering in someone's confidence or belief. It is particularly effective when contrasting with an overall sense of certainty.

Common error

While effective, "flicker of doubt" can become repetitive if used excessively in a short span. Vary your language by using alternatives like "hint of uncertainty" or "shade of ambiguity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it depicts a transient instance of uncertainty, modifying a subject's action or emotional state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

10%

Film

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of doubt" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe a brief moment of uncertainty or hesitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As analyzed, it finds frequent use in "News & Media", "Lifestyle", and "Film", with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives like "hint of uncertainty" and "trace of skepticism" offer similar meanings, enabling writers to refine their expression based on context. The phrase is grammatically sound and its meaning is clear and consistently applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of uncertainty

Replaces "flicker" with "hint", suggesting a more subtle indication of uncertainty.

trace of skepticism

Emphasizes the skeptical aspect of the doubt, implying a questioning attitude.

shade of ambiguity

Focuses on the ambiguous nature of the situation, creating a sense of vagueness.

vestige of disbelief

Suggests a lingering feeling of disbelief, even if it's faint.

tinge of apprehension

Highlights the anxious or fearful aspect associated with the doubt.

suspicion's glimmer

Implies a brief insight or flash of suspicion.

iota of misgiving

An "iota" refers to a small amount, emphasizing the minimal level of unease.

shadow of incertitude

Incertitude is a formal alternative for uncertainty, conveying a more serious tone.

whiff of dubiousness

"Whiff" suggests a fleeting and almost intangible sense of something being questionable.

inkling of reservation

Indicates a slight feeling of holding back or having unstated concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "flicker of doubt" to describe a brief moment of uncertainty. For instance, "Despite his confident demeanor, a "flicker of doubt" crossed his face as he considered the risks."

What's the difference between "flicker of doubt" and "shadow of doubt"?

"Flicker of doubt" implies a brief, momentary uncertainty, while "shadow of doubt" suggests a more persistent and lingering feeling of uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "flicker of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of uncertainty", "trace of skepticism", or "shade of ambiguity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "flicker of doubt" in formal writing?

Yes, "flicker of doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a common expression that is easily understood in most contexts.