have significant doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have significant doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a particular situation, statement, or decision. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I have significant doubts about its feasibility and potential success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But I did have significant doubts for a substantial period of time.

Princeton University

But he would not opine on "whether it rises to criminality," though he noted others have "significant doubts" about that.

The Washington Post

If/when augmented reality catches on with consumers, I also have significant doubts that hand-tracking will play a major role in how we interact with reality.

TechCrunch

The bad news: most Americans say that the downturn has hurt the U.S.'s ability to innovate and they have significant doubts about our ability to maintain leadership.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Right now, we have significant doubt on both left and right.

HuffPost

The main issue is whether Rice knew that U.S. intelligence agencies had significant doubts about a claim made by British intelligence that Iraq was seeking uranium in Africa.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said that there "is a potential for rigged outcomes" and that he had "significant doubts about whether it will deliver full, fair and open hearings".

The New York Times

Despite the five years stipulated for his banishment, Guo has significant doubts as to whether he will ever return to China to live and work.

The Guardian

Corbyn said on Sunday he still had significant doubts about a policy to keep the UK in the single market and customs union.

The Guardian

After all, it was not that long ago that he had "significant doubts" about the Giants playing any games at all because of the lockout.

The New York Times - Sports

In a detailed critique of Salmond's proposals to create a new sterling area, the Treasury said on Tuesday it had significant doubts about whether a currency pact would be in the UK's interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have significant doubts" to introduce a contrasting opinion or to question the validity of a claim, especially when presenting an argument or analysis.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "have significant doubts" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I'm not so sure" or "I question that" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have significant doubts" functions as a declarative expression, conveying a state of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples across various sources illustrate its role in introducing critical perspectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have significant doubts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey uncertainty or skepticism. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While versatile, it is more formal and analytical, making it less suited for casual conversation. Related phrases such as "harbor serious reservations" or "possess considerable skepticism" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments with nuances in formality or emphasis. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and importance in critical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harbor serious reservations

Emphasizes a more formal and cautious holding back of complete agreement.

possess considerable skepticism

Highlights the degree of doubt with a more intellectual nuance.

entertain strong misgivings

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or apprehension about something that might happen.

question something significantly

Focuses on the act of doubting rather than the state of having doubts.

feel deeply uncertain

Conveys a strong sense of not knowing or being sure about something.

experience grave concerns

Indicates a serious level of worry or unease.

hold major reservations

Similar to "harbor serious reservations" but slightly less formal.

view with considerable suspicion

Implies a distrustful perspective on something.

am highly dubious

A more direct and personal declaration of skepticism.

lack confidence

Expresses a deficiency in belief or certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "have significant doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism. For example: "After reviewing the data, I "have significant doubts" about the project's feasibility."

What are some alternatives to "have significant doubts"?

Alternatives include "harbor serious reservations", "possess considerable skepticism", or "feel deeply uncertain" depending on the context.

Is "have significant doubts" formal or informal?

"Have significant doubts" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, you might prefer phrases like "I'm not so sure" or "I question that."

What's the difference between "have significant doubts" and "have some doubts"?

"Have significant doubts" implies a stronger degree of skepticism than "have some doubts". "Significant" indicates the doubts are considerable or important, while "some" suggests a lesser degree of uncertainty.