in doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate when something is uncertain or not known with certainty. For example: "The fate of the project is still in doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm never in doubt.

The New York Times

When in doubt, don't.

The New York Times - Magazine

This had been in doubt.

The Economist

When in doubt, consider English.

The New York Times

Now, that's all in doubt.

The New Yorker

When in doubt, think Beaujolais.

The New York Times - Food

Reliance's survival is in doubt.

The Economist

The restoration was in doubt.

The New Yorker

WHEN in doubt, bash America.

The Economist

When in doubt, buy time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The when-in-doubt rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in doubt", clarify what exactly is being doubted to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The project is in doubt", specify "The success of the project is in doubt".

Common error

Avoid using "in doubt" without specifying what is being questioned. A vague statement like "Things are in doubt" lacks clarity. Instead, provide context: "Whether we can meet the deadline is in doubt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in doubt" functions as a prepositional phrase often modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of uncertainty or question. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in doubt" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express uncertainty or question. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s commonly found across varied sources, including news, general writing, and scientific publications. To maximize clarity, it is important to specify the subject that is "in doubt". Related phrases like "uncertain", "questionable", and "dubious" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Remember to avoid vagueness by clarifying what is specifically in question to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in question

Highlights that something is currently being discussed or challenged.

uncertain

Expresses a state of being unsure or not having confidence.

undecided

Implies that a decision has not yet been made.

questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or suspicion.

dubious

Indicates hesitations or reservations about something.

unsettled

Implies that something is not yet resolved or decided.

up in the air

Suggests that the outcome is still uncertain and not yet determined.

open to debate

Indicates that something is not settled and can be argued about.

contested

Suggests that something is being disputed or challenged.

ambiguous

Indicates that something is open to more than one interpretation or has a double meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "in doubt" to express uncertainty about something. For example: "The outcome of the election is "in doubt"." or "Her ability to complete the project on time is "in doubt"."

What are some alternatives to "in doubt"?

Alternatives to "in doubt" include "uncertain", "questionable", or "dubious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "there is doubt" or "it is in doubt"?

"It is "in doubt"" is often more concise and idiomatic when referring to a specific situation or outcome. "There is doubt" is also correct but might be used when highlighting the existence of uncertainty in general.

What does it mean when something is described as "in doubt"?

When something is described as ""in doubt"", it means its future or outcome is uncertain, and there are reasons to question its success or validity.