i hardly doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hardly doubt" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression is "I hardly think" or "I doubt." Example: "I hardly think that he would lie about such an important matter."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Why not just accept a Trojan Horse?" Bob joked, "I hardly doubt that there's an army hiding within it, Dolores".

The New Yorker

I hardly doubt that would happen if ObamaCare were anywhere close to fatal for private insurance.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Richard P. Feynman (1959)[ 2] I can't see exactly what would happen, but I can hardly doubt that when we have some control of the arrangement of things on a small scale we will get an enormously greater range of possible properties that substances can have, and of different things that we can do.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

The tasks that molecular machines are best suited to carry out also need careful consideration: "I can't see exactly what would happen, but I can hardly doubt that when we have some control of the arrangement of things on a small scale we will get an enormously greater range of possible properties that substances can have, and of different things that we can do".

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

One can hardly doubt his desire to break away from the "Kowalski theme".

The New Yorker

"In a dream, we naturally accept what is happening and hardly doubt its reality, however unrealistic it may seem on reflection".

The Guardian

Bach, in keeping with the practice of his time, used fewer markings still, and we can hardly doubt that he expected many expressive touches -- even whole flourishes -- not printed in the score.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's very difficult right now," admitted Sister Faith Okerson, while hardly doubting the survival of an order that, like other modern sisterhoods, has had its membership dwindle to half.

The New York Times

Another man hardly doubted anything.

Vice

By long experience of the course of human society, the principle of development in culture has become so ingrained in our philosophy that ethnologists, of whatever school, hardly doubt but that, whether by progress or degradation, savagery and civilization are connected as lower and higher stages of one formation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can hardly be doubted that in giving consent Congress may impose conditions.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more standard and grammatically accepted alternatives like "I doubt that" or "I seriously doubt" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid combining "hardly" directly with "doubt". "Hardly" typically modifies verbs of action or existence; with "doubt", it's more correct to use alternatives or rephrase to avoid grammatical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hardly doubt" is intended to express disbelief or skepticism. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically questionable. More accepted alternatives include "I doubt" or "I hardly think".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I hardly doubt" may seem like a straightforward way to express skepticism, Ludwig AI indicates that it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It appears infrequently across various sources, including news and media and scientific publications. To ensure clarity and maintain grammatical correctness, it's recommended to use alternative phrases like "I doubt that" or "I seriously doubt". Opting for these alternatives will enhance the credibility and formality of your writing, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I doubt that

A more grammatically sound and common way to express doubt directly.

I strongly doubt

This intensifies the expression of doubt, making it more emphatic.

I seriously doubt

Similar to 'strongly doubt', this conveys a higher degree of skepticism.

I highly doubt

Another way to express a significant level of doubt or disbelief.

I really doubt

Uses 'really' to amplify the feeling of doubt.

I genuinely doubt

Highlights the sincerity behind the expressed doubt.

I find that doubtful

Expresses doubt in a more formal or detached manner.

I question that

Indicates doubt or uncertainty about a statement or situation.

I'm skeptical about that

Expresses a cautious or questioning attitude towards something.

I think not

A somewhat archaic but straightforward expression of disagreement or disbelief.

FAQs

Is "I hardly doubt" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "I hardly doubt" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use "I doubt" or "I hardly think".

What's a more acceptable alternative to "I hardly doubt"?

More acceptable alternatives include "I doubt that", "I strongly doubt that", or "I hardly think so".

How can I use "doubt" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "doubt" correctly by saying "I doubt [statement]" or "I have doubts about [something]". For example, "I doubt it will rain today" or "I have doubts about his story".

What's the difference between "I doubt" and "I don't doubt"?

"I doubt" expresses uncertainty or disbelief, while "I don't doubt" expresses a lack of uncertainty, meaning you believe or accept something as true. For example, "I doubt he's telling the truth" versus "I don't doubt he's telling the truth".