immediate doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sudden or urgent uncertainty about something. Example: "Upon hearing the news, I felt an immediate doubt about the accuracy of the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Informal discussions held at Stamford Bridge that night between the owner, the board and various department heads ended with the Portuguese's position not in any immediate doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

At a summit in March the government promised to raise as much as €50 billion (22% of GDP) by selling assets in return for better terms on its European loans.There was immediate doubt about the seriousness of its intent, given dissent within government and from trade unions.

The Economist

This all too earthly event filled white people with their own dire prophecies, and by the end of the year the Virginia Legislature was debating the future of slavery, a future that, given its economic importance, was never really in immediate doubt.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The pledge in July 2012 by Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, to be a true lender of last resort removed immediate doubts about the euro's survival.

The Economist

On Saturday, however, Taibi let in a goal which raised immediate doubts about his consistency and concentration in a position where those qualities are vital.

The Guardian - Sport

However, there were immediate doubts over the growth figure's reliability with the announcement sparking renewed debate over the trustworthiness of Beijing's statistics.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile, the summit raised, but left unresolved, more immediate doubts.Many Arabs still worry that the Americans will disengage when things go wrongFirst, many Arabs still worry that the Americans will disengage when things go wrong, as things surely will.

The Economist

Even if Mr. Romney wins here and dispels the immediate doubts about his ability to withstand the challenge from Mr. Gingrich, he will still face a critical question: Is this the beginning of the end of the Republican presidential nominating season — or just the beginning?

The New York Times

Indeed, the currency markets are paying the euro area a compliment: whatever the immediate doubts, the outlook for consumers appears brighter there than in either America or Britain, where saving rates are lower and debt levels are higher.So why the complaints?

The Economist

Pundits expressed immediate doubts about this number, but today we have two big reasons to believe we can get there.

Huffington Post

On June 30 , 2014 in what Mexico's defense ministry initially described as a shootout, 22 people were killed in a work shed in a remote area of the State of Mexico, sparking immediate doubts about the use of force by soldiers against civilians.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immediate doubt" to describe situations where uncertainty arises instantly after an event or statement. This can add emphasis to the speed and intensity of the doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate doubt" when a more nuanced or gradual development of doubt is implied. Consider if "lingering doubt" or "growing skepticism" might be more accurate instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate doubt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "immediate" modifies the noun "doubt". It describes the sudden or instantaneous nature of the doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate doubt" describes a sudden feeling of uncertainty, functioning as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although it appears infrequently in writing. Its primary purpose is to convey the rapid onset of skepticism, often in response to news or claims. While the register is generally neutral, its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. Related phrases include "sudden uncertainty" and "prompt skepticism". Use it to effectively describe the quick emergence of uncertainty, but avoid overuse when a more gradual development of doubt is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden uncertainty

Emphasizes the abrupt onset of feeling unsure.

immediate misgiving

Emphasizes the quick appearance of worry or apprehension.

instant disbelief

Focuses on the lack of belief triggered at once by a statement or situation.

abrupt suspicion

Emphasizes the unexpected onset of a feeling of distrust or wariness.

prompt skepticism

Highlights a quick, questioning attitude after some news.

spontaneous distrust

Highlights the unprompted sense of a lack of trust.

rapid mistrust

Focuses on the speed at which the mistrust developed.

instantaneous question

Focuses on the almost simultaneous questioning.

instantaneous reservation

Highlights a quick feeling of hesitance or unease.

prompt hesitation

Highlights the brief delay caused by uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "immediate doubt" to express a sudden feeling of uncertainty about something. For example, "The announcement was met with "immediate doubt" by the public".

What's the difference between "immediate doubt" and "lingering doubt"?

"Immediate doubt" refers to a sudden feeling of uncertainty, while "lingering doubt" implies a doubt that persists over time.

What can I say instead of "immediate doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden uncertainty", "prompt skepticism", or "instant disbelief", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to express "immediate doubt"?

While "immediate doubt" can suggest skepticism or disbelief, it is not inherently negative. It simply indicates an instant feeling of uncertainty, which can be a natural response to unexpected or questionable information.