iota of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "iota of doubt" is correct and is used in written English.
It is used to express a very small amount of doubt or uncertainty. For example, "His performance in the show left no iota of doubt as to his talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There wasn't a drop of self-consciousness in her, no iota of doubt holding her back.

The New Yorker

If there was an iota of doubt about this, it has vaporised in his mano-a-mano contest with the sublime Messi, pictured.

Independent

He really believes he is going to be a force to be reckoned with at the Tour, there's not the slightest iota of doubt there.

The Guardian - Sport

Should anyone have even an iota of doubt about The Times's crucial role in helping its readers navigate the tumult of the 21st century, just revisit its reportage from the roiling tempests of the Middle East in recent weeks.

The New York Times

Finney still recalls how he knew that the pass required a brave man to run onto it, and how he had not one iota of doubt that Lofthouse would be that man.

The New York Times - Sports

When I watch him, sometimes when he's on the verge, it's almost as if he lets in an iota of doubt, and at that elite level, that's all it takes to lose the edge, the zone and a match.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If an iota of neurotic doubt had remained as to my son's paternity, it was completely obliterated — without question, my son had inherited the Stern gene for savoir-faire.

The New York Times

I do still retain an iota of hope in this government and am prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The Guardian

And why do I always live only in memory?" Notable passage: "The machine was running on empty, racing, turning out a fortune without producing an iota of delight: no one enjoyed themselves in the least in these clubs, and I started to doubt whether anyone ever had".

Huffington Post

He showed not one iota of courage.

The Guardian

Well, not an iota of either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "iota of doubt" to emphasize the near absence of uncertainty or skepticism in a situation. For example, "There wasn't an "iota of doubt" in her mind that she would succeed."

Common error

Avoid using "iota of doubt" when you want to express a significant level of uncertainty. The phrase is best suited for situations where doubt is minimal or practically nonexistent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "iota of doubt" functions as a noun phrase indicating a minimal quantity of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the near absence of doubt. Examples show it negates the presence of even the smallest amount of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "iota of doubt" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to convey a minimal amount of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed to emphasize certainty or conviction. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and formal writing. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes the near absence of doubt, not a substantial level of skepticism. Related phrases include "slightest uncertainty" and "hint of skepticism". It appears frequently in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scintilla of uncertainty

Uses "scintilla" as a more formal synonym for a tiny amount.

slightest uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertainty aspect, using "slightest" to emphasize the small amount.

speck of uncertainty

Emphasizes a tiny amount of uncertainty or doubt.

hint of skepticism

Highlights the skeptical aspect, suggesting a subtle disbelief.

mite of doubt

Uses "mite" to convey a very small quantity of doubt.

trace of hesitation

Emphasizes the hesitancy, implying a small pause or reluctance.

grain of doubt

Presents doubt as a tiny particle, similar to a "grain".

shadow of suspicion

Suggests a faint level of distrust or questioning.

whisper of doubt

Emphasizes how faint and subtle the doubt is, like a "whisper".

flicker of disbelief

Implies a momentary lapse in belief or acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "iota of doubt" to express a very small amount of uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "The evidence presented left no "iota of doubt" as to his guilt."

What phrases are similar to "iota of doubt"?

Similar phrases include "slightest uncertainty", "hint of skepticism", or "trace of hesitation", all conveying a minimal level of doubt.

Is it correct to say "not an iota of doubt"?

Yes, "not an iota of doubt" is a common and correct usage, emphasizing a complete absence of uncertainty. It's used to express certainty or conviction.

What's the difference between "iota of doubt" and "shadow of a doubt"?

"Iota of doubt" implies a very small amount of doubt, while "shadow of a doubt" typically suggests a lingering, though perhaps small, uncertainty. The former is more absolute in its denial of doubt.