in grave doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in grave doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing significant uncertainty or concern about a situation or decision. Example: "The committee was in grave doubt about the project's feasibility after reviewing the latest data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Luis Corral, an advisor to Ecuador's Assembly of the People of the South, an umbrella group for indigenous federations in southern Ecuador, said that if Tendetza had been able to travel to the COP20 it would have put in "grave doubt the honorability and the image of the Ecuadorean government as a guarantor of the rights of nature".

The Guardian

Nonetheless, May's position is in grave doubt again.

The Guardian

If so, or if one is left in grave doubt, the conviction cannot stand.

Cornell University

This bush would soon be transformed — and the future of the great migration in grave doubt.

Yale University

"At the end of the day, I am in grave doubt".

The New York Times

24 That study leaves us in grave doubt whether the lower court has correctly interpreted the intention of the lawmakers.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Justice Breyer added, "Montana's experience, like considerable experience elsewhere since the court's decision in Citizens United, casts grave doubt on the court's supposition that independent expenditures do not corrupt or appear to do so".

The New York Times

It begs for the creation of a new pyromancy; it is willfully hopeful in a time of grave doubt.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a dissent in June, "Montana's experience, like considerable experience elsewhere since the court's decision in Citizens United, casts grave doubt on the court's supposition that independent expenditures do not corrupt or appear to do so".

The New York Times

Yes, they may have high yields, but there is grave doubt in the professional community as to how the distressed bond investing will turn out this cycle".

Forbes

For example, be careful not to invest in distressed bonds and other illiquid bonds, for example … yes, they may have high yields, but there is grave doubt in the professional community as to how the distressed bond investing will turn out this cycle.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in grave doubt", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being questioned. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support the expressed doubt to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "in grave doubt" for trivial uncertainties. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the doubt is significant and potentially impactful, not for minor or insignificant concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in grave doubt" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, expressing a state of significant uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in grave doubt" is a prepositional phrase used to express significant uncertainty or skepticism about a situation. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms its correct usage and prevalence across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Science. While similar phrases like "seriously uncertain" or "highly questionable" can be used, it’s important to reserve "in grave doubt" for situations where the doubt is truly significant and impactful, otherwise it will not sound appropriate to use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in serious question

Similar to "in grave doubt", but uses "serious question" to convey a significant level of uncertainty or doubt. It replaces the adjective "grave" with "serious".

seriously uncertain

Highlights the significant level of uncertainty, focusing on the lack of confidence. It replaces "grave doubt" with "seriously uncertain".

subject to considerable doubt

Emphasizes the large amount of doubt surrounding something. It uses a more formal tone.

highly questionable

Emphasizes the dubious nature of something, suggesting it is not likely to be true or reliable. It changes the structure to an adjective phrase.

of dubious validity

Focuses on the questionable accuracy or truthfulness of something. It changes the phrase to an adjectival phrase.

highly improbable

Suggests that something is not likely to happen or be true, creating doubt about its possibility. It changes to an adjective phrase.

open to question

Suggests that something is not settled and can be debated or challenged. It shifts the focus to the possibility of questioning.

under a cloud of suspicion

Indicates that someone or something is suspected of wrongdoing, creating doubt about their integrity. It uses a metaphor to express the doubt.

its prospects are dim

Similar to "its future is bleak", but emphasizes the unfavorable conditions or chances for success. It's a more metaphorical expression.

its future is bleak

Implies a negative outlook or lack of promise, creating doubt about the future success or viability of something. It shifts the focus to a pessimistic forecast.

FAQs

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

Use "in grave doubt" to express serious uncertainty about something. For example, "The success of the mission is "in grave doubt" due to the approaching storm".

What can I say instead of "in grave doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "seriously uncertain", "highly questionable", or "in serious question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in grave doubt" or "in serious doubt"?

Both "in grave doubt" and "in serious doubt" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express, with "grave" implying a slightly more severe level of uncertainty than "serious".

What's the difference between "in grave doubt" and "under a cloud of suspicion"?

"In grave doubt" generally refers to uncertainty about a situation or outcome, while "under a cloud of suspicion" implies that someone or something is suspected of wrongdoing. The first focuses on uncertainty, the second on potential guilt.