highly doubtful that

USAGE SUMMARY

'highly doubtful that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an unlikely or unlikely outcome. For example: It is highly doubtful that the storm will pass before tomorrow morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems highly doubtful that they will stop now.

The New Yorker

"I'm highly doubtful that they know I paint my toenails".

The New York Times

But in this cycle it's highly doubtful that they will help a Republican win the nomination.

The New Yorker

It is highly doubtful that people vote as their papers tell them, for instance.

The Guardian

He added: It was highly doubtful that it was going to be effective.

The Guardian

And it is highly doubtful that they will feel any more comfortable with Corbyn.

The Guardian

It is highly doubtful that the senator would favor either of those outcomes.

The New York Times

It did not take long to conclude that it was highly doubtful that any such transaction had ever taken place.

The New York Times

Though it must be a consideration it is highly doubtful that it will result in a circulation boost.

The Guardian

"I am highly doubtful that Medicare will benefit in any way from the rebates being offered to doctors".

The New York Times

Torre said it was highly doubtful that he would activate Jason Giambi for the next round if Olerud is not ready.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly doubtful that", ensure the context clearly indicates what outcome is being doubted. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject and action in question.

Common error

Avoid using "highly doubtful that" when a situation is merely uncertain or unconfirmed. This phrase implies a strong degree of disbelief, so reserve it for scenarios where there's substantial reason to expect something won't happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly doubtful that" functions as a modal expression, specifically indicating a strong degree of disbelief or skepticism regarding a proposition. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly doubtful that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey skepticism or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in "News & Media" sources, showcasing its prevalence in reporting uncertain or contested scenarios. When writing with this phrase, ensure you're expressing a significant level of doubt, not mere uncertainty. If the level of confidence in your statement is quite low, consider alternatives like "unlikely that" or "questionable whether", which are more understated. Ensure clear indication of what outcome is being doubted to prevent possible misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unlikely that

A more direct and less emphatic way of expressing doubt.

very unlikely that

Emphasizes the improbability of something happening.

there's little chance that

Focuses on the minimal possibility of an event.

it is improbable that

More formal way of expressing doubt or disbelief.

it seems implausible that

Highlights the lack of plausibility or believability.

it is questionable whether

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of evidence.

I'm skeptical that

Expresses a critical or questioning attitude.

it's hard to believe that

Expresses a personal sense of incredulity.

I doubt very much that

Puts emphasis on the speaker's personal doubt.

it's a long shot that

Emphasizes the low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "highly doubtful that" in a sentence?

Use "highly doubtful that" to express strong disbelief or uncertainty about a particular outcome. For example, "It is "highly doubtful that" the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "highly doubtful that"?

Alternatives include "very unlikely that", "improbable that", or "questionable whether", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "highly doubtful that" in formal writing?

Yes, "highly doubtful that" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a skeptical perspective based on evidence or reasoning. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What is the difference between "highly doubtful that" and "unlikely that"?

"Highly doubtful that" expresses a stronger sense of disbelief or improbability compared to simply "unlikely that". The former suggests a significant reason to doubt, while the latter merely indicates a low probability.