is doubtful about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is doubtful about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular situation or statement. Example: "She is doubtful about the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Rhinehart, naturally, is doubtful about this line of thinking.

The New Yorker

While he commends Claude Lanzmann's documentary Shoah (1985), he is doubtful about recreations.

The Guardian - Books

But Mr Tripuraneni is doubtful about Mr Naidu's hopes of achieving all his goals even in his home state.

The Economist

He seems as much beholden to some creaky idea of virility as he is doubtful about it.

The New York Times - Arts

Nasseri is doubtful about attending the premiere of "The Terminal," although his face lights up at the prospect.

The New York Times - Magazine

At one point Samad is doubtful about disclosing a secret to his friend Zinat, who protests her trustworthiness: "Samad!

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He continued to be doubtful about this, but by the early 1950s his doubts had sufficiently dissipated for publication to become a possibility.

SEP

I'm doubtful about that".

The Guardian

Financial reparations he was doubtful about; apologies seemed trifling.

The Economist

Western officials are doubtful about the accuracy of this claim.

Independent

But senators were doubtful about Mr. Sullivan's assurances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is doubtful about", provide context or reasons for your doubt. This adds credibility to your statement and helps the audience understand your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "is doubtful about" when you have concrete evidence to the contrary. Overstating your doubt can weaken your argument and make you appear biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is doubtful about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject to express uncertainty or skepticism. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is doubtful about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express uncertainty or skepticism. It is found in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, with alternatives such as "is uncertain about" and "has reservations about" offering similar nuances. When using this phrase, providing context for your doubt enhances credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncertain about

Emphasizes a lack of sureness or conviction.

is skeptical of

Highlights a questioning or disbelieving attitude.

has reservations about

Indicates hesitations or concerns.

is dubious about

Suggests a strong sense of doubt or suspicion.

is unconvinced regarding

Implies a failure to be persuaded or convinced.

questions the validity of

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy.

expresses skepticism towards

Formally communicates a skeptical viewpoint.

lacks confidence in

Focuses on a deficit of assurance or trust.

is apprehensive about

Suggests anxiety or fear concerning something.

is hesitant regarding

Highlights reluctance or unwillingness.

FAQs

How do I use "is doubtful about" in a sentence?

You can use "is doubtful about" to express uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "She "is doubtful about" the project's success".

What can I say instead of "is doubtful about"?

You can use alternatives like "is uncertain about", "is skeptical of", or "has reservations about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is doubtful about" or "is doubtful of"?

"Is doubtful about" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. "Is doubtful of" is less frequent but not necessarily incorrect.

What's the difference between "is doubtful about" and "is uncertain about"?

"Is doubtful about" implies a degree of skepticism or disbelief, while "is uncertain about" simply suggests a lack of sureness or conviction.