highly doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly doubt" is not considered standard in written English.
It is often used informally to express a strong disbelief or skepticism about something. Example: "I highly doubt that he will show up on time for the meeting."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I highly doubt it.

The New York Times - Tech

But I highly doubt it.

The Economist

I would highly doubt it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I highly doubt it," he said.

The New York Times - Science

"I highly doubt it," Steinberg said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I highly doubt that," Nunes said.

The New Yorker

I highly doubt it, especially considering the starting pitchers.

The Guardian - Sport

"I highly doubt that the natural green would be bad".

The Guardian

Alas, I highly doubt it as the intoxication appears terminal!

The New York Times

I highly doubt that Hughes wanted this debacle.

The New Yorker

"I highly doubt Iran would close that down".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "seriously doubt" or "strongly doubt" in formal writing to ensure clarity and adherence to standard English conventions.

Common error

Avoid using "highly doubt" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. While understandable, it may be perceived as informal or less precise than alternatives such as "I seriously doubt" or "it is unlikely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly doubt" functions as a verbal expression indicating a strong feeling of disbelief or skepticism. Based on the provided examples from Ludwig, it serves to communicate the speaker's lack of conviction regarding a particular statement or possibility. Ludwig AI notes that this phrase is acceptable but some style guides prefer alternatives in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly doubt" is a common expression used to convey a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism. While generally understood and frequently used in news and media, Ludwig AI reports it may not be considered standard in formal written English, where alternatives like "seriously doubt" or "strongly doubt" are preferred. Therefore, consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use "highly doubt". Its primary function is to express disagreement or uncertainty, and it generally carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. Key sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and TechCrunch, suggesting its prevalence in contemporary news and online media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously doubt

Replaces "highly" with "seriously" to indicate a strong feeling of doubt.

strongly doubt

Replaces "highly" with "strongly", emphasizing the intensity of the doubt.

I find that hard to believe

Expresses disbelief in a more conversational way.

I'm very skeptical

Shifts the focus to the speaker's skepticism rather than the direct act of doubting.

I have my doubts

Indicates uncertainty and a lack of conviction.

I'm inclined to disbelieve that

Presents doubt as a leaning towards disbelief.

it's unlikely

Focuses on the improbability of something, implying doubt.

I question that

Directly expresses questioning of a statement or idea.

I'm dubious about that

Expresses uncertainty and skepticism.

that seems improbable

Highlights the low probability, suggesting disbelief.

FAQs

What does "highly doubt" mean?

The phrase "highly doubt" expresses a strong feeling of disbelief or skepticism about something. It suggests that you think something is unlikely to be true or to happen.

Is "highly doubt" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, some style guides might suggest that it's not considered standard written English. Alternatives like "seriously doubt" or "strongly doubt" are often preferred in formal contexts.

When should I use "highly doubt"?

You can use "highly doubt" in informal conversations or less formal writing. In formal settings, it's best to opt for more precise or standard alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "highly doubt"?

Alternatives include "seriously doubt", "strongly doubt", "I find that hard to believe", or "I'm very skeptical", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.