inkling of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"inkling of doubt" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a slight feeling of uncertainty or suspicion about something. For example, "He had only an inkling of doubt that his project would be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If there's an inkling of doubt, they could find themselves searching for a franchise quarterback.

The New York Times

None admitted to ever having had an inkling of doubt in his ability.

The New York Times

Costs can range anywhere from inkling of doubt to fiery anguish, depending on if Renter's parents raised her to have fixed or growth mindset.

The New Yorker

Tears are shed, but no inkling of doubt or tension is allowed to penetrate the aura of idealistic selflessness that shrouds Suu and Michael.

The New York Times

Verlander was overpowering and consistently attacked all aspects of the strike zone as he aggressively challenged the Indians' hitters without an inkling of doubt.

Forbes

It is better to let all guilty people spend the rest of their lives in cages, than to murder a single one under an inkling of doubt.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When the HTC Magic jumped straight off this list and into our hands, any inklings of doubt were blown away.

TechCrunch

Instead, Kepesh's obscure history sparks an inkling of uneasy and impertinent doubt: Just how carefully has Roth read his own earlier work?

The New York Times - Books

Buzz and Woody and their friends accept their place in the cosmos, and though there are shadows of doubt and inklings of tragedy in all of the movies, everything unfolds within the parameters of a fundamentally rational and benevolent order.

The New York Times

"Reasonable readers at the time of the events in question" would have had no inkling of such a notion and would no doubt have found it "strange" to say the least.

HuffPost

While not completely blindsided, they had little inkling of what was going on inside the paper — but there was always an undercurrent of doubt.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inkling of doubt" to express a subtle sense of uncertainty, rather than a strong conviction. This phrase is effective when you want to suggest a minor concern without stating it definitively.

Common error

Avoid using "inkling of doubt" when a significant or substantial uncertainty exists. This phrase is best suited for minor reservations. If the doubt is strong, consider alternatives such as "serious concerns" or "significant reservations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inkling of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a subtle or vague feeling of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inkling of doubt" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for conveying a mild sense of uncertainty or suspicion. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for situations where you want to hint at a reservation without making a strong declaration. While the phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "inkling of doubt", be mindful of not overstating the level of uncertainty, as it is best reserved for minor reservations rather than substantial disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight suspicion

Focuses on the element of suspicion rather than uncertainty.

small uncertainty

Highlights the aspect of uncertainty being minimal.

faint reservation

Emphasizes a hesitant or unenthusiastic feeling.

smidgen of doubt

Uses a colloquial term to emphasize the small amount of doubt.

hint of skepticism

Stresses a questioning attitude.

iota of doubt

Uses a formal term to emphasize the extremely small amount of doubt.

trace of misgiving

Conveys a sense of apprehension or worry.

seed of doubt

Suggests the potential for doubt to grow.

whisper of doubt

Indicates that doubt is quiet and barely noticeable.

shadow of uncertainty

Metaphorically suggests that uncertainty is present in the background.

FAQs

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

You can use "inkling of doubt" to express a slight feeling of uncertainty or suspicion. For example, "He had an inkling of doubt about whether the project would succeed."

What's the difference between "inkling of doubt" and "serious doubt"?

"Inkling of doubt" suggests a minor, subtle uncertainty, while "serious doubt" indicates a significant and substantial uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "inkling of doubt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slight suspicion", "faint reservation", or "small uncertainty".

Is "inkling of doubt" formal or informal?

"Inkling of doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in writing or prepared speech than in casual conversation. It carries a neutral tone, without being overly technical.