hold doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold doubts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express skepticism or uncertainty about a person, statement, or idea. For example, "I held doubts about the reliability of the source, but it turned out to be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For all the goodwill and admiration that Barack Obama attracts, from beyond as well as within America, many hold doubts about the staying power of the political enthusiasm he has engendered.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

No one challenged him — though some certainly held doubts.

The New Yorker

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

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

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

After three and a half years' occupation, the Iraqis themselves hold no doubts about the country that delivered them from Saddam Hussein.

The Economist

But Ms. Myles inhabits the role with such crisp and understated wit that she manages to hold such doubts at bay.

The New York Times

Those who doubt the adequacy of this evidence base, despite the near ubiquity of socio-economic gradients in health, will simply need to hold their doubts in abeyance as they read on.

Health Policy and Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold doubts", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who the doubts are directed towards for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hold doubts" when you intend to convey strong disbelief or rejection. The phrase suggests a degree of uncertainty rather than outright denial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold doubts" functions as a verb phrase where "hold" acts as the verb and "doubts" functions as the direct object. It is used to express a state of uncertainty or skepticism, as indicated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold doubts" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying uncertainty or skepticism. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's not as common as other similar phrases. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When writing, ensure the object of your doubts is clear. Alternatives like "harbor reservations" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Keep in mind the importance of accurately conveying the intensity of your skepticism; if outright disbelief is intended, consider stronger alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harbor reservations

Replaces "doubts" with "reservations" and "hold" with "harbor", suggesting a more formal and cautious feeling.

have misgivings

Replaces "doubts" with "misgivings", indicating a feeling of unease or apprehension.

entertain skepticism

Substitutes "hold" with "entertain", which might imply a more active consideration of the doubts.

remain unconvinced

Shifts the focus to a lack of conviction rather than actively holding doubts.

question the validity

Focuses on questioning the truth or accuracy of something, rather than simply having doubts.

express uncertainty

Highlights the act of expressing doubt, rather than the internal state of having doubts.

feel apprehensive

Shifts the focus to the feeling of unease or anxiety associated with the doubts.

sustain disbelief

Implies an active effort to maintain a lack of belief.

nurture suspicions

Suggests that the doubts are growing or being actively maintained.

bear uncertainties

Replaces "hold" with "bear", connoting the enduring acceptance despite having such feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "I "hold doubts" about the accuracy of that statement."

What's a more formal way to say "hold doubts"?

A more formal alternative to "hold doubts" is to say "harbor reservations". This phrase sounds more cautious and considered.

What can I say instead of "hold doubts" to express stronger disbelief?

If you want to express stronger disbelief, you can use phrases like "remain unconvinced" or "sustain disbelief".

Is it better to say "hold doubts" or "have doubts"?

"Hold doubts" and "have doubts" are very similar, but "have doubts" is slightly more common in everyday language. "Hold doubts" might sound a touch more formal or deliberate.