grave doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave doubts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express serious or deep uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "The jury had grave doubts about the defendant's alibi, as it seemed to have several inconsistencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Insurers have grave doubts about such proposals.

The New York Times

He had grave doubts about the technology.

The New York Times

And there are grave doubts about the telecoms bureaucracy.

The Economist

There are grave doubts about the efficiency of this spending.

The Economist

In particular, his coalition partner, New Komeito, has grave doubts.

The Economist

"Second, I have grave doubts about whether it will work".

The New York Times

From the beginning, I harbored grave doubts about these legal proceedings.

The New York Times

It raises grave doubts about how the university handled allegations of sexual assault in 2002.

The New York Times

But in September 1993 he expressed grave doubts after another researcher failed to replicate his work.

The Guardian

But for today's fiercely competitive, ability-driven job market, I have grave doubts.

The New York Times - Sports

But some government leaders still harbor grave doubts about letting former insurgents back into the fold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave doubts", ensure the context clearly indicates what the doubts pertain to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or situation causing the uncertainty.

Common error

While "grave doubts" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "serious questions" or "major concerns" for everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave doubts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb like have, express, or raise. It signifies a state of profound uncertainty or skepticism, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave doubts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey strong uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media, but also in scientific and formal business settings. While highly versatile, writers should consider the formality of the phrase and adjust accordingly, opting for less intense alternatives in casual contexts. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase is appropriate in contexts where potential risks or challenges are being highlighted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious reservations

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the doubts.

deep skepticism

Focuses on a questioning attitude and a lack of conviction.

considerable uncertainty

Highlights the lack of clarity and predictability.

profound misgivings

Suggests a stronger sense of unease and apprehension.

genuine apprehensions

Conveys a sense of worry and concern.

significant qualms

Indicates feelings of doubt or worry, especially about one's own conduct.

strong reservations

Highlights intensity of the doubts.

major concerns

Focuses on the importance and potential consequences of the doubts.

lingering questions

Emphasizes the unresolved nature of the doubts.

unease

Emphasizes lack of comfort.

FAQs

What does "grave doubts" mean?

"Grave doubts" means serious uncertainty or skepticism about something. It suggests a deep lack of confidence or assurance.

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

You can use "grave doubts" to express strong uncertainty. For example, "The experts expressed "grave doubts" about the project's feasibility."

What can I say instead of "grave doubts"?

You can use alternatives like "serious reservations", "deep skepticism", or "considerable uncertainty" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "grave doubts"?

The phrase "grave doubts" is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, and professional settings when expressing significant uncertainty. It might be too strong for casual conversation, where alternatives like "major concerns" may be better suited.