harbor doubts about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harbor doubts about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "Many experts harbor doubts about the effectiveness of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Still, I used to harbor doubts about "2001".

The New York Times

Women may harbor doubts about his character's character.

The New York Times

Those pathways exist because millions of voters still harbor doubts about Mitt Romney.

The New York Times

But he also said people did harbor doubts about Mr. Scarcella.

The New York Times

Even so, at least a few senior Afghan officials harbor doubts about his well-being.

The New Yorker

All-wheel drive, paired only with the automatic, is available for those who harbor doubts about rear-drive in winter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

For harboring doubts about her innocence.

The New Yorker

Polls showed that many Egyptians harbored doubts about him.

The New York Times

Even as he writes, though, Binet (or the narrator) harbors doubts about his approach.

The New York Times - Books

But while he adopted some of Mr. Kissinger's tactics, he harbored doubts about his strategy.

The New York Times

Mr. Letterman apparently harbored doubts about whether his former network would go forward with the plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harbor doubts about" to express a lingering sense of uncertainty or skepticism, especially when discussing opinions, plans, or the reliability of information. It suggests a deeper, less easily dismissed form of doubt.

Common error

While grammatically sound, consistently using "harbor doubts about" in casual conversation might sound overly formal or stilted. In such cases, opt for simpler phrases like "I'm not sure about" or "I question" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbor doubts about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is frequently used to convey that someone maintains or holds onto feelings of doubt regarding a particular subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harbor doubts about" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a sense of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It leans towards a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like "have reservations about" or "question the validity of" exist, "harbor doubts about" emphasizes a deeper, more persistent feeling of uncertainty. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have reservations about

Replaces "harbor doubts" with "have reservations", indicating a more subtle form of uncertainty.

question the validity of

Focuses on questioning the truth or accuracy of something, rather than simply having doubts.

express skepticism regarding

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing a general attitude of doubt.

feel uncertain about

Indicates a lack of confidence or sureness about something.

are apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or fear about possible negative outcomes.

are unsure of

Implies a lack of knowledge or clarity about something.

view with suspicion

Indicates a distrustful perspective.

take a dim view of

Expresses a negative opinion or disapproval.

lack confidence in

Focuses on a deficiency of trust or assurance.

find questionable

Indicates that something is of dubious quality or reliability.

FAQs

How can I use "harbor doubts about" in a sentence?

You can use "harbor doubts about" to express a lingering sense of uncertainty. For example, "Experts "harbor doubts about" the long-term effects of the policy."

What can I say instead of "harbor doubts about"?

Alternatives include "have reservations about", "question the validity of", or "express skepticism regarding", depending on the context.

Is "harbor doubts about" formal or informal?

"Harbor doubts about" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a slightly more formal tone. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "harbor doubts about" and "have doubts about"?

"Harbor doubts about" suggests a deeper, more persistent feeling of uncertainty compared to simply "have doubts about". "Harbor" implies the doubts are being held or nurtured over time.