he doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

"he doubts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when a person expresses disbelief or doubt in something, for example: "John is convinced he can pass this test, but he doubts that he can achieve a perfect score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He doubts it.

The New Yorker

He doubts anyone listens.

The New York Times

Writer tells why he doubts this.

The New Yorker

But he doubts they can afford it.

Independent

He doubts it ever will.

The New Yorker

He says he doubts that he'll remarry.

The New Yorker

But he doubts it will work.

The New York Times

He doubts they can be revived.

The New York Times

And he doubts that he wants to.

The Guardian

And besides, he doubts he would win.

The New York Times

But he doubts that this will remain true for long.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he doubts", follow it with a 'that' clause to specify the object of his doubt. For example, "He doubts that the project will succeed" is clearer than "He doubts the project".

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns incorrectly with "he doubts". For example, saying "He doubts himself" implies self-doubt, which is different from doubting an external situation or statement. Use "He doubts that he can succeed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he doubts" primarily functions as a statement where 'he' is the subject and 'doubts' is the verb expressing his uncertainty or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he doubts" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express a male subject's uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms this. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "he" is doubting. Alternatives include "he is skeptical" or "he questions", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's important to note that the phrase is typically neutral in register, allowing for use in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is doubtful

Replaces the verb with an adjective, emphasizing a state of being rather than an action.

he is skeptical

Suggests a higher degree of doubt, implying a questioning attitude.

he questions

Replaces 'doubts' with a verb indicating active inquiry or challenge.

he is unsure

Indicates a lack of certainty, a more general expression of doubt.

he has reservations

Implies a more formal or considered form of doubt, often about plans or decisions.

he isn't convinced

Highlights a lack of persuasion, suggesting resistance to an idea.

he disbelieves

A stronger term suggesting active rejection of a belief or claim.

he contests

Implies a challenge or dispute, often in a legal or formal context.

he wavers

Suggests indecision or fluctuation between belief and disbelief.

he is hesitant

Highlights reluctance or unwillingness, stemming from doubt.

FAQs

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

Use "he doubts" to express uncertainty or disbelief regarding a statement or situation. For example, "He doubts that the team will win the championship this year."

What are some alternatives to "he doubts"?

You can use alternatives like "he is skeptical", "he questions", or "he is unsure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he doubts" or "he is doubting"?

"He doubts" is generally preferred for expressing a state of doubt. "He is doubting" can be used but is less common and might suggest a current, ongoing process of doubting. In most cases, "he doubts" is the clearer and more concise choice.

What's the difference between "he doubts" and "he suspects"?

"He doubts" indicates uncertainty about something, while "he suspects" suggests a belief that something might be true, often something negative. Doubting is about uncertainty, while suspecting is about a tentative belief.