generate doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of creating uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "The politician's contradictory statements served to generate doubt among the voters regarding his integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The technique of undermining democracy abroad is to generate doubt where there had been certainty.

The New York Times

Climate-change contrarians, though they publish very little in the relevant scientific literature, use the Internet to mount persistent attacks on the I.P.C.C. Being a human enterprise, the I.P.C.C. has certainly made mistakes, and these get magnified by people attempting to generate doubt about the overall body of climate science.

The New York Times

The presence of Cx. sitiens in the top left quadrant of Figure 3A indicates that it did not display sufficient within-species variation to generate doubt as to whether it was a single biological entity.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The scale of these potential liabilities can in turn generate doubts about public finances undermining the resilience of both banks and sovereigns.

The Guardian

The absence of data in most studies on the efficiency of the extraction procedures used in ancient samples and on the influence of microbial contamination may generate doubts around some of the results obtained.

Heritage Science

However, the absence in most of the studies of remarks on the use of extraction methods suitable for ancient binders, or of tests to assess their efficiency, may generate doubts about the suitability of the extraction methods used in some analysis.

Heritage Science

Although higher Hg levels were found in Asian countries, the lack of association with dietary fish intake in the few studies conducted on women with moderate consumption might generate doubts about its possible utility as a biomarker of exposure in these settings.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This is often dismissed by realists as generating doubt about unobservables that is no more worrying than doubting other minds or the external world.

SEP

Another issue which generated doubt about the early DNA testing was the point heteroplasmy at np 16169 in the mtDNA sequence of the Tsar.

Plosone

In effect, the practice of subjecting patients to an added respiratory burden to try to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the tests to judge patient readiness for extubation generates doubt as to whether the added burden itself might have caused extubation failure in some patients who would not have failed otherwise.

Critical Care

Though this downward spiral of violence has generated doubts about any hope for a solution, a wide array of voices -- representing many lands and views -- are now suggesting that renewed American involvement is the key.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generate doubt", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the doubt and who is experiencing it. This will prevent ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the doubt generated. Instead of claiming it completely destroys trust, describe it as creating uncertainty or raising questions to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate doubt" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "generate" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object (in this case, "doubt"). Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate doubt" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the action of causing uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, appearing in news, scientific, and more formal contexts, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase's force isn't overstated. Alternatives like "instill skepticism", "create uncertainty", and "raise questions" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the specific intent. Remembering these points can help writers effectively use "generate doubt" or its alternatives with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instill skepticism

Replaces "generate" with "instill" and "doubt" with "skepticism", emphasizing the active planting of disbelief.

create uncertainty

Substitutes "generate" with "create" and "doubt" with "uncertainty", focusing on the production of a lack of sureness.

foster disbelief

Employs "foster" instead of "generate" and "disbelief" instead of "doubt", suggesting a gradual cultivation of incredulity.

raise questions

Replaces "generate doubt" with "raise questions", which is less direct but implies the prompting of uncertainty.

cast suspicion

Uses "cast suspicion" to suggest a more focused and directed form of doubt, implying distrust.

sow seeds of doubt

Employs a metaphorical expression suggesting a subtle and pervasive introduction of uncertainty.

spark skepticism

Replaces "generate" with "spark", indicating a sudden or quick initiation of skepticism.

fuel uncertainty

Uses "fuel" to suggest that uncertainty is being intensified or maintained.

prompt questioning

Substitutes "generate doubt" with "prompt questioning", focusing on the act of causing people to ask questions.

undermine confidence

Focuses on the effect of diminishing trust or assurance, rather than directly creating doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "generate doubt" in a sentence?

Use "generate doubt" to describe actions or events that cause uncertainty or skepticism. For example: "The politician's contradictory statements served to "generate doubt" among the voters regarding his integrity."

What can I say instead of "generate doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "instill skepticism", "create uncertainty", or "raise questions" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "generate doubt" or "create doubt"?

Both "generate doubt" and "create doubt" are acceptable. "Generate" implies a more active or dynamic process, while "create" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "generate doubt" and "sow seeds of doubt"?

"Generate doubt" is a more direct and literal expression. "Sow seeds of doubt" is a metaphorical expression suggesting a subtle and gradual introduction of uncertainty, often with manipulative intent.