glimmer of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimmer of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or fleeting feeling of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "Despite her confidence, there was a glimmer of doubt in her mind about the decision she had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He has also lost his sight, although I confess to a glimmer of doubt.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it's the way he speaks – not just without the faintest glimmer of doubt but as if he were minting revelatory truths – that stirs his critics.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If you don't know you're being sold to and you have even a glimmer of doubt that you are, then that is going to create a backlash from the audience," he says.

The Guardian

The objects of his endless monologues invariably deny that they're lonely and in need of Vincent's bargain-basement variety of magic, but sometimes you catch a glimmer of doubt in their eyes.

The New York Times

Cast a glimmer of doubt.

HuffPost

Without even a glimmer of doubt.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

From there, Draper tracks the campaign through Palin's widely praised convention speech, the roaring early campaign events, and then the first glimmer of doubts.

Huffington Post

This glimmer of papal doubt gives me hope and reaffirms my faith.

Huffington Post

It happens several times throughout our conversation – this quiet but firm confirmation of the other's abilities, no glimmer of self-doubt allowed to pass unchecked.

The Guardian - Music

And in those somber moments when he visited wounded troops or families of those who'd made the ultimate sacrifice, I saw -- ever so briefly -- a glimmer of self-doubt.

The New York Times

Occasionally there are glimmers of something nasty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the degree of doubt is appropriate; if stronger doubt exists, use alternatives like "significant skepticism".

Common error

Avoid using "glimmer of doubt" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "hint of uncertainty" or "trace of skepticism" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimmer of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition, to denote a slight or faint feeling of uncertainty. It's used to subtly introduce a degree of skepticism. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glimmer of doubt" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a slight feeling of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and notes its prevalence in news and media contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to consider the context and use synonyms to prevent overuse. The term is versatile for expressing mild uncertainty without conveying strong disbelief. Alternatives include "hint of doubt" or "trace of uncertainty". It can be used to subtly introduce uncertainty, but stronger terms may be more accurate if the level of doubt is substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of doubt

Replaces "glimmer" with "hint", suggesting a slightly less noticeable degree of doubt.

trace of uncertainty

Substitutes both "glimmer" and "doubt" with "trace" and "uncertainty", respectively, emphasizing the subtlety of the doubt.

shade of suspicion

Replaces "doubt" with "suspicion", indicating a slightly more negative connotation.

faint reservation

Uses "reservation" instead of "doubt", highlighting a feeling of unease or hesitation.

slight apprehension

Substitutes "doubt" with "apprehension", suggesting a mild fear or anxiety.

small degree of skepticism

Replaces "glimmer of doubt" with a more explicit phrase indicating disbelief or questioning.

touch of cynicism

Substitutes "doubt" with "cynicism", implying a more pessimistic outlook.

iota of disbelief

Uses "iota" to emphasize the extremely small amount of disbelief.

vestige of skepticism

Replaces "glimmer" with "vestige", suggesting a remaining trace of skepticism.

whisper of uncertainty

Emphasizes the quiet and subtle nature of the uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "glimmer of doubt" to express a small amount of uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "Despite his confident presentation, there was a "glimmer of doubt" in her eyes".

What phrases are similar to "glimmer of doubt"?

Alternatives to "glimmer of doubt" include "hint of doubt", "trace of uncertainty", or "shade of suspicion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "glimmer of doubt" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider whether a stronger term like "significant skepticism" might be more accurate if the level of doubt is substantial.

What's the difference between "glimmer of doubt" and "strong skepticism"?

"Glimmer of doubt" indicates a slight uncertainty, while "strong skepticism" suggests a more significant and firmly held disbelief. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.