grave doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a serious or significant uncertainty about something. Example: "The jury had grave doubt about the defendant's guilt after hearing the new evidence presented during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There has to be grave doubt that they can survive this.

Independent

Most serious scholarship casts grave doubt on his data and theory.

The New York Times

"At the end of the day, I am in grave doubt".

The New York Times

That Jackson had either the means or the skill to execute Johnston's instructions was a matter of grave doubt.

The New York Times

WITH the integrity of investment research at Wall Street's giant banks in grave doubt, others are profiting.

The Economist

In their dissent, he said grave doubt had been cast on the majority's belief that independent expenditures cannot corrupt.

The New York Times

With its economy in a deep recession, Venezuela's ability to repay these debts is in grave doubt.

The Economist

It casts grave doubt upon the recent findings of a commission set up to look into abuse in the church.

The Guardian - Opinion

On two occasions, the Scot wrote letters – subsequently leaked to the media – expressing grave doubt about government policies.

The Guardian

Instead, they said that the large number of appeals leaves "grave doubt whether we do catch" all of the errors.

The New York Times

He said the underlying economic strength of Russia's economy is still in grave doubt as oil prices slide.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave doubt" to express significant uncertainty, particularly when the situation involves important consequences or serious implications. This phrase is effective in formal writing and spoken contexts where a strong degree of doubt needs to be conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "grave doubt" in casual or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler expressions like "I'm not sure" or "I doubt it" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave doubt" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a significant degree of uncertainty or skepticism. It often appears as the object of verbs like "cast", "raise", or "express", indicating the action of causing or voicing such doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Reference

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave doubt" is a potent expression of significant uncertainty, predominantly used in formal contexts like news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. When opting for alternatives such as "serious reservations" or "deep skepticism", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. While effective in formal writing, avoid overuse in casual settings where it can sound overly dramatic. Remember, this expression carries weight and should be used judiciously to reflect the true intensity of the uncertainty you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant doubts

A more direct alternative, simply emphasizing the importance of the doubts.

considerable uncertainty

Highlights the presence of significant unknowns.

profound uncertainty

Emphasizes the depth of the unknown or unpredictable elements.

deep skepticism

Focuses on a lack of belief or trust in something.

strong skepticism

Implies a firm disbelief or lack of confidence.

real misgivings

Suggests inner feelings of apprehension or unease.

genuine apprehension

Focuses on worry and fear about possible negative future events.

serious reservations

Emphasizes concerns about potential negative outcomes or flaws.

substantial reservations

Like "serious reservations", it highlights the significance of the concerns.

legitimate questions

Indicates that there are valid and important issues that need to be addressed.

FAQs

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

Use "grave doubt" to express significant uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "The new evidence casts "grave doubt" on the defendant's alibi."

What are some alternatives to saying "grave doubt"?

Alternatives to "grave doubt" include "serious reservations", "deep skepticism", or "considerable uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "grave doubt" or "serious doubt"?

"Grave doubt" suggests a deeper, more significant level of uncertainty than "serious doubt". The choice depends on the intensity of the doubt you want to express. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but "grave doubt" is often used in more formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "grave doubt" in writing?

Use "grave doubt" in formal writing, such as news articles, academic papers, or legal documents, where you need to convey a strong sense of uncertainty or skepticism about a particular issue or claim. Be cautious of using it in casual conversation.