glimpse of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"glimpse of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a momentary doubt or uncertainty regarding a decision or an opinion. For example: "Frank had a glimpse of doubt about his decision to quit his job, but he knew it was the right thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you have even one small glimpse of doubt, it's my experience as a money coach that you're not going to let yourself receive it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She pauses, thinks, and for a rare moment allows a glimpse of self-doubt.

The Guardian

The few seconds of newsreel footage of Sindi the football player is all that is beyond doubt - a glimpse of a delicate, intuitive player with a kind face.

The Guardian - Sport

And after only a brief glimpse of the school, I have no doubt that I would have been ecstatically happy there.

The Guardian

Tack on the sustainable edge (recycled eucalyptus pillars throughout, solar-heated showers, self-contained waste disposal); and catch a glimpse of those stunning views, and little doubt remains you've arrived in Brazil's version of Hollywood.

The Guardian - Travel

Witless before the unknown, chastened by mortal pettiness and the innumerable silences of stars, no trace of doubt could have unhinged my conviction that before we glimpsed the other side we would fall off the earth.

Forbes

Climate of Doubt?

The New York Times - Magazine

A moment of doubt.

The New York Times

2. The Mode of Doubt.

Stanford University

Merchants of Doubt.

Los Angeles Times

Without a shadow of doubt.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "glimpse of doubt", consider the context. It's most effective when highlighting a subtle shift in mindset rather than a complete change of heart.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of doubt" when a stronger, more sustained feeling of uncertainty is present. The phrase is best suited for momentary hesitations, not profound questioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a brief, momentary feeling of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable expression in English, albeit not very frequent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse of doubt" is a valid, albeit infrequent, English phrase used to denote a fleeting moment of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It functions as a noun phrase and is typically found in neutral to formal registers, such as news and academic writing. When considering alternatives, phrases like "fleeting doubt" or "hint of skepticism" may offer similar meanings. Remember to reserve "glimpse of doubt" for contexts where the uncertainty is truly brief and subtle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fleeting doubt

Focuses on the brief duration of the doubt.

Moment of uncertainty

Highlights the feeling of being unsure.

Hint of skepticism

Emphasizes a questioning attitude.

Flicker of disbelief

Suggests a momentary struggle to accept something as true.

Whisper of doubt

Implies a quiet, subtle feeling of uncertainty.

Shadow of uncertainty

Introduces a darker, more ominous tone of doubt.

Small amount of doubt

Highlights the limited quantity of doubt.

Trace of doubt

Emphasizes the minimal presence of doubt.

Suspicion

Indicates a feeling of mistrust without necessarily being a doubt about oneself.

Reservation

Signifies a hesitation or reluctance to fully accept something.

FAQs

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

You can use "glimpse of doubt" to describe a brief moment of uncertainty, as in "She had a glimpse of doubt before making her final decision".

What's a similar phrase to "glimpse of doubt"?

Alternatives include "fleeting doubt", "hint of skepticism", or "moment of uncertainty". Consider using "fleeting doubt" if you want to emphasize the short duration of the doubt.

Is "glimpse of doubt" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "glimpse of doubt" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when analyzing characters' internal conflicts or decision-making processes, however, remember that frequency is rare. Alternatives may be more appropriate depending on the context.

What is the difference between "glimpse of doubt" and "shadow of a doubt"?

"Glimpse of doubt" refers to a fleeting moment of uncertainty, while "shadow of a doubt" means there's virtually no doubt at all. They have opposite meanings.