have doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have doubts" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or a lack of faith in something. For example: "I have doubts about his ability to handle this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have doubts.

Independent

Did he have doubts?

The Economist

Does she have doubts?

The New York Times

Others have doubts.

The New York Times

Some observers have doubts.

The New York Times

You always have doubts.

The New York Times

"You don't have doubts.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, some analysts have doubts.

The Economist

Did her family have doubts?

The New York Times

I started to have doubts.

The New York Times

I have doubts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism when you are not fully convinced about something. For example, "I have doubts about the project's success given the current market conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "have doubts" when you actually mean you believe something is false. "I have doubts that he is telling the truth" is correct, but don't mistakenly say it when you want to express a firm belief that he's lying.

Linguistic Context

"Have doubts" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction. It commonly indicates that someone is not fully convinced or confident about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have doubts" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "I doubt" is a concise alternative, "have doubts" can add emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects uncertainty rather than a firm opposing belief. Remember, it's about questioning, not necessarily disbelieving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express reservations

Highlights the act of voicing concerns or hesitations.

feel uncertain

Shifts the focus to the feeling of uncertainty, a more personal and internal experience.

remain unconvinced

Indicates that one has not been persuaded or convinced.

harbor skepticism

Replaces "have" with "harbor" and "doubts" with "skepticism", suggesting a more deeply rooted sense of doubt.

find questionable

Highlights the perception of something being dubious or suspect.

lack conviction

Emphasizes a deficiency in strong belief or certainty.

question the validity

Focuses on questioning the truth or accuracy of something rather than a general feeling of doubt.

struggle to accept

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something as true or valid.

view with suspicion

Suggests a level of distrust or wariness.

take a dim view

Expresses a negative or pessimistic opinion.

FAQs

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

Use "have doubts" to express uncertainty or a lack of conviction. For instance, "I "have doubts" about whether the company can meet its projected earnings."

What are some alternatives to saying "have doubts"?

You can use phrases like "harbor skepticism", "express reservations", or "feel uncertain" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I have doubts" or "I doubt"?

Both "I have doubts" and "I doubt" are correct. "I doubt" is more concise, while "I have doubts" can sometimes add emphasis or nuance to your uncertainty.

What's the difference between "have doubts" and "have suspicions"?

"Have doubts" implies uncertainty or lack of conviction, while "have suspicions" suggests a belief that something is wrong or dishonest, often based on limited evidence.