growing doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"growing doubt" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a feeling of uncertainty or skepticism that is increasing over time. Example: As the evidence against him mounted, there was a growing doubt among the jury about the defendant's innocence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Growing doubt in Wash.

The New Yorker

There is growing doubt about whether that arena will be completed.

The New York Times

There is also growing doubt among airline executives that the Justice Department's antitrust division would allow a major airline merger.

The New York Times

Five months after publication, both STAP papers were retracted, under intense scrutiny and growing doubt about their validity.

The New Yorker

The other is the growing doubt that it can be shipped across Washing ton and into Oregon without accident.

The New York Times

And though he was certain, or near certain, of what had happened, this growing doubt seemed a far greater threat to his sanity than any potential monster.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He acknowledged the growing doubts.

The New York Times - Sports

Growing doubts at home.

The New York Times

He came home with numerous medals to a country of growing doubts.

The New York Times - Sports

The survey also found growing doubts that the Bush administration had a strategy in Iraq.

The Guardian

Research backs up growing doubts about the value of traditional graduate profiles to employers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing doubt" when you want to emphasize the increasing nature of uncertainty, rather than a static feeling of doubt. It suggests a progression over time.

Common error

Avoid using "growing doubt" when "lingering doubt" is more appropriate. "Lingering doubt" implies that the doubt remains present, even if it's not necessarily increasing. Ensure the context reflects an increase in doubt, not merely its continued existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing doubt" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies an escalating feeling of uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular situation, person, or idea. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing doubt" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an increasing sense of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. Analysis of the examples shows that it is most frequently used in News & Media contexts, to describe emerging concerns about various subjects. When writing, ensure you're emphasizing the progressive nature of the doubt. While alternatives like "increasing uncertainty" or "rising skepticism" exist, "growing doubt" specifically highlights the developing aspect of the uncertainty. Be mindful not to confuse this with "lingering doubt", which describes doubt that persists without necessarily increasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing uncertainty

Focuses on the rising level of uncertainty rather than doubt.

rising skepticism

Highlights the increasing disbelief or distrust.

heightened uncertainty

Similar to increasing uncertainty, but with a stronger emphasis on the intensity.

mounting apprehension

Emphasizes increasing anxiety or fear related to a situation.

burgeoning skepticism

Uses a more formal word for growing, indicating a rapid increase in disbelief.

developing misgivings

Suggests the formation of feelings of doubt or worry.

escalating reservations

Implies that concerns are intensifying.

amplifying distrust

Focuses on the increasing lack of trust.

intensifying worries

Highlights the increasing intensity of worries or concerns.

emerging questions

Suggests doubts are manifesting in the form of questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing doubt" to describe increasing uncertainty about a plan, a person's intentions, or an outcome. For example, "There was "growing doubt" about the project's feasibility as costs increased."

What can I say instead of "growing doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing uncertainty", "rising skepticism", or "mounting apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "growing doubt" or "increased doubt"?

Both ""growing doubt"" and "increased doubt" are correct. "Growing doubt" emphasizes the process of increasing, while "increased doubt" emphasizes the result. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "growing doubt" and "lingering doubt"?

"Growing doubt" refers to an increase in doubt over time, whereas "lingering doubt" suggests that the doubt persists, without necessarily increasing. "Lingering doubt" implies that the doubt remains present.