in case of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"in case of doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to suggest that something should be done in a situation when there is uncertainty or confusion about what should be done. For example: "In case of doubt, always consult a professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In case of doubt, additional blast searches were performed.

BMC Genomics

"In case of doubt, it's better to touch it".

The New Yorker

In case of doubt, model tests should be carried out for both alternatives.

Centrifugal Pump Handbook

If you have any question about this, or in case of doubt, please contact the TA.

Stanford University

In order to avoid useless discussions concerning contradictory terms, one should use the term «metrological observation» in case of doubt.

Measurement

I have always said, in case of doubt, do not delete," Jourová said at a press conference, Politico reports.

MIT Technology Review

The editors welcome dialogue with the author in case of doubt.

Johns Hopkins University

In case of doubt, physicians should proceed to further investigations, such as CT scan.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In case of doubt, a visit to the doctor is always advisable.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In case of doubt, such compounds should be discarded from the data set.

Journal of Cheminformatics

In case of doubt, the contralateral ankle or previous radiographs must be used for comparison.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in case of doubt", clearly state the action that should be taken to resolve the uncertainty. For example, "In case of doubt, consult the manual."

Common error

Avoid using "in case of doubt" without specifying the next step. Simply stating "in case of doubt" leaves the reader unsure of what action to take. Provide a clear direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of doubt" functions as a conditional prepositional phrase, introducing a course of action to be taken when uncertainty exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

15%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in case of doubt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to provide guidance when uncertainty arises. Predominantly found in scientific and academic writing, it recommends a specific action or further inquiry. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the recommended action to assist the reader effectively. Alternative phrases such as "if uncertain" or "when in doubt" can be used for conciseness, while "should there be any doubt" offers a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if uncertain

This is a shorter, more direct way to express the same idea.

when in doubt

This alternative uses a more concise structure, focusing on the state of uncertainty.

should there be any doubt

This option introduces a more formal and conditional tone.

if there is uncertainty

This version is more explicit about the presence of uncertainty.

in the event of uncertainty

This alternative uses "event" to emphasize the hypothetical situation.

when unsure

This option provides a simpler, more informal way to convey the same meaning.

if you're not sure

This is a more conversational and direct way of expressing uncertainty.

in situations of uncertainty

This alternative emphasizes that the uncertainty is already acknowledged.

where there is doubt

This option specifies doubt as the focus and cause for an action.

if ambiguity arises

This is useful when referencing ambiguity as a source of doubt that can emerge.

FAQs

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

You can use "in case of doubt" to introduce a recommended action when uncertainty exists, such as "In case of doubt, "seek professional advice"" or "In case of doubt, "refer to the guidelines"".

What's a more concise alternative to "in case of doubt"?

Alternatives to "in case of doubt" include the shorter phrases "if uncertain" or "when in doubt", which convey the same meaning more directly.

Is there a more formal way to say "in case of doubt"?

A more formal alternative is "should there be any doubt", which adds a layer of formality suitable for official documents or professional communication.

When should I use "in case of doubt" versus "if you're not sure"?

Use "in case of doubt" in formal or general instructions. "If you're not sure" is more appropriate for informal or direct conversations.