held doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a particular situation or idea. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, she held doubts about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

No one challenged him — though some certainly held doubts.

The New Yorker

Still, with European publics largely opposed to the Afghan war, the documents — with their grim and granular picture of the war's ground-level challenges — appear certain to exacerbate deeply held doubts, the analysts said.

The New York Times

But in this case, the government's line — that Nisman was manipulated, then discarded, by elements of the intelligence community intent on discrediting Kirchner — traded on widely held doubts about Nisman's independence as an investigator.

The New Yorker

He accuses Cameron of tolerating eurosceptics who depart from the party line while persecuting him, a pro-European, for daring to express sincerely held doubts about the leadership credentials of a controversial fellow MEP.

The Guardian

By May of 1945, more of the public had come to accept the truth of what had happened, though some still held doubts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The federal education minister, Simon Birmingham, concedes he holds doubts about the government's policy of expanding funding for private colleges because he has been "scarred by the mess" in the vocational education market.

The Guardian

In the current climate, shouldn't an electorate be entitled to hold doubts about people who, by strenuously maintaining secrecy and making an issue out of their conspicuous shame, make themselves a clear target for blackmail?

The Guardian

A disclaimer: My interpretation of Camus is not entirely faithful to his philosophy, and I still hold doubts that mean I cannot buy into absurdism as an antidote to all existential woe.

Huffington Post

And virtually all SIVs are trying to sell the securities they hold, doubting that the proposed backup fund will work.

The New York Times

Independent directors held private doubts about the management of Robert C. Stempel, then chairman and chief executive, Mr. Wyman said.

The New York Times

During a two-week trial, Mr. Luckett and his lawyer argued that Sotheby's failed to market and organize the auction properly and held internal doubts about the collection's sale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "held doubts", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing but be mindful of the audience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "held doubts" too frequently in very informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doubted" or "wasn't sure" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held doubts" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of uncertainty or skepticism. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase expresses the act of maintaining or possessing uncertainties regarding something. This is evident from the examples provided, where it describes individuals or groups questioning the validity or outcome of situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held doubts" is a grammatically sound and usable expression conveying uncertainty or skepticism. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is applicable in various contexts, though more common in news and media. While there are several alternatives, such as "had reservations" or "harbored misgivings", the choice depends on the specific nuance required. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider whether a more straightforward alternative might be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had reservations

A more formal and cautious way of expressing doubt or objection.

felt doubtful

A more direct and emotional expression of uncertainty.

harbored misgivings

Focuses on internal, often unexpressed, feelings of doubt.

expressed reservations

A more overt way to make doubts or concerns known.

entertained skepticism

Emphasizes a more intellectual and considered form of doubt.

maintained skepticism

Indicates a persistent and deliberate state of doubt.

possessed uncertainties

Highlights the presence of unresolved questions or beliefs.

retained uncertainties

Emphasizes the ongoing presence of doubts that have not been resolved.

nursed suspicions

Suggests a concealed or gradually developed sense of distrust.

felt apprehension

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

FAQs

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

You can use "held doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "Despite the positive reviews, she held doubts about the film's success."

What are some alternatives to "held doubts"?

Alternatives include "had reservations", "felt skeptical", or "harbored misgivings", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "held doubts" or "had doubts"?

Both "held doubts" and "had doubts" are grammatically correct. "Held doubts" might suggest a more persistent or deeply rooted sense of uncertainty, while "had doubts" is a more general expression. The choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "held doubts" and "expressed doubts"?

"Held doubts" implies an internal feeling of uncertainty, whereas "expressed doubts" means those uncertainties were voiced or communicated to others. For example, "He held doubts privately but publicly supported the plan" versus "He "expressed doubts" about the plan's feasibility during the meeting".