increased doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increased doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where uncertainty or skepticism has grown over time. Example: "The recent events have led to increased doubt about the effectiveness of the proposed solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Employers are expressing increased doubt about the value of a traditional M.B.A.

The New York Times

A striking rapprochement between the region's diplomatic maverick, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, has been marked by a toning down of criticism of the Saudis by the popular Qatari-owned television channel, al-Jazeera.Privately Gulf Arab officials sound much harsher about Iran, reflecting increased doubt that either diplomacy or economic sanctions can block its nuclear ambitions.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The spotty record has increased doubts that Wang is capable of completing the canal project.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the failure to find promised WMD is going hand-in-hand with increased doubts about Mr Bush's credibility.

The Economist

Hurricane Katrina does not appear to have taken a significant toll on Mr. Bush's job approval rating, but the findings do suggest that the slow federal response has increased doubts about the Bush administration's effectiveness.

The New York Times

There has been increasing doubt about Giscard d'Estaing's commitment to liberal policies.

The New Yorker

Over the course of the trial, witness testimonies had thrown increasing doubt on the accuracy of Gribkowsky's bribery accusations.

The Guardian - Sport

Casting increasing doubt on the already unpopular plan by Hewlett-Packard to acquire Compaq Computer, the Hewlett family said yesterday that it would vote against the proposed takeover.

The New York Times

But the omens in the longer term look bad, with his ability to run a government banking on the old-guard communists under increasing doubt.

The Economist

Erin Callan THEN She came to be seen as the public face of Lehman Brothers from December 2007 to June 2008 at a time of increasing doubt over its financial health.

The New York Times

Although Mrs. Merkel hushed her critics long enough to pass the measure, the growing chorus of domestic opposition throws increasing doubt on her ability to win support for additional measures to stem the European debt crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increased doubt" to accurately describe situations where uncertainty or skepticism has grown over time, ensuring the context supports this gradual intensification.

Common error

Avoid using "increased doubt" to describe a situation where doubt suddenly appears without prior uncertainty. Instead, use phrases like "new doubt" or "sudden skepticism" to reflect the immediate emergence of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increased doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a state or condition where the level of uncertainty has risen. Ludwig AI validates its correct use, showing examples where it modifies a preceding verb to emphasize a change in belief or confidence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increased doubt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a growing sense of uncertainty or skepticism. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal settings. When using "increased doubt", ensure that the context appropriately reflects a gradual intensification of uncertainty. Consider alternatives like "growing uncertainty" or "heightened uncertainty" to add variety and precision to your writing. Be mindful not to use it to describe sudden onsets of doubt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensified doubt

Highlights a stronger or more powerful feeling of doubt.

heightened uncertainty

Indicates a more intense level of doubt or lack of certainty.

growing uncertainty

Refers to a gradual increase in the feeling or state of being uncertain.

rising skepticism

Emphasizes a gradual increase in disbelief or doubt about something.

deepening misgivings

Implies a growing sense of unease or doubt about the appropriateness of something.

expanding skepticism

Refers to a broadening or widening of doubt among a group or population.

mounting apprehension

Suggests a growing feeling of anxiety or fear, related to doubt about a future outcome.

accumulating reservations

Indicates a growing number of hesitations or doubts about something.

escalating concerns

Focuses on the increase in worries or concerns, often stemming from doubt about a situation.

sharpening questions

Suggests an increase in incisive or critical questioning due to underlying doubts.

FAQs

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

You can use "increased doubt" to describe a situation where uncertainty or skepticism has grown over time. For example, "The lack of transparency has led to "increased doubt" about the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "increased doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "growing uncertainty", "rising skepticism", or "heightened uncertainty" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "increasing doubt" instead of "increased doubt"?

Both "increased doubt" and "increasing doubt" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Increased doubt" suggests that the doubt has already grown, while "increasing doubt" implies that it is currently growing. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "increased doubt" and "increased concern"?

"Increased doubt" specifically refers to a rise in uncertainty or skepticism, whereas "increased concern" suggests a rise in worry or anxiety. The correct phrase depends on whether you want to emphasize uncertainty or worry.