hint of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a small amount of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "Despite her confident demeanor, there was a hint of doubt in her voice when she spoke about the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There wasn't a hint of doubt in her voice.

The Guardian - Music

Any hint of doubt would seem like weakness.

The Guardian

"There's not much here," he says, the first hint of doubt creeping into his voice.

The New York Times - Travel

"Guys are loving it," she said without a hint of doubt, citing responses from test audiences.

The New York Times

"It's learning to loosen up," Dillon said, with just a hint of doubt in his voice.

The New York Times - Travel

He only offers one hint of doubt, and that centres on his latest venture's name.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Gone were any public hints of doubt that have peppered previous Clinton speeches.

The New York Times

With Americans still being killed on a near-daily basis, the "relentlessly positive" attitude of L. Paul Bremer III and other occupation officials described by your correspondent ("Act of Hatred, Hints of Doubt," news analysis, front page, April 1) seems like a cruel hoax.

The New York Times

He is less a Christ figure than a man increasingly absurd in his paranoid self-delusion, picking up hints of doubt from his fellow guerrillas yet incapable of adjusting except through violence.

The Guardian - Books

First up is the video for Miracle Worker, a reggae number with a hint of No Doubt.

The Guardian - Music

But inserting even a hint of reasonable doubt is "pretty much all they can do," Miller said, to possibly spare Slager of the 30 years to life sentence he faces if convicted.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hint of doubt", ensure the context clearly establishes what the doubt pertains to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of doubt" when a stronger expression of uncertainty is more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish the impact of situations requiring a more emphatic acknowledgement of skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a subtle or slight feeling of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

15%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of doubt" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a subtle sense of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in news, books, and sports contexts, indicating its versatility across various communication styles. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context clearly identifies the subject of the doubt to maintain clarity. While it's a useful tool for expressing mild skepticism, it's important to avoid overusing it or employing it when a stronger expression of doubt is warranted. Alternatives like "trace of uncertainty" or "flicker of skepticism" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of uncertainty

Similar to "hint", but emphasizes a fleeting presence of not being sure.

trace of uncertainty

Focuses on the presence of uncertainty, emphasizing the lack of sureness.

suggestion of uncertainty

Highlights that the doubt is not explicitly stated, but subtly implied.

slightest reservation

Emphasizes a minimal level of holding back or hesitancy.

element of hesitation

Points out a pausing or delay indicating uncertainty.

degree of uncertainty

Focuses on the existence of doubt and emphasize its intensity (degree).

flicker of skepticism

Highlights a brief, wavering moment of disbelief.

shade of misgiving

Implies a subtle feeling of apprehension or worry.

iota of uncertainty

An iota refers to an extremely small amount, making this a minimal doubt.

whisper of disbelief

Conveys a very quiet or subtle expression of not believing.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "hint of doubt" to express a small amount of uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "Despite his confident presentation, there was a hint of doubt in his voice when discussing the project's timeline."

What's a good alternative to "hint of doubt"?

Alternatives include "trace of uncertainty", "slightest reservation", or "flicker of skepticism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hint of doubt" or "sign of doubt"?

"Hint of doubt" suggests a subtle, almost imperceptible feeling, while "sign of doubt" implies a more noticeable indication. The best choice depends on the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone shows a "hint of doubt"?

When someone shows a "hint of doubt", it suggests they are not entirely convinced or certain about something, but their uncertainty is not strong or openly expressed.