is doubtful that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is doubtful that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a particular statement or situation. Example: "It is doubtful that the project will be completed on time given the current delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is doubtful that former Gov.

The New York Times

Yet it is doubtful that investors need this protection.

Columbia University

Yet it is doubtful that much will change.

The Economist

It is doubtful that Oreopithecus habitually stood erect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is doubtful that anyone would get it "wrong" today.

The New York Times - Books

But it is doubtful that he believes this.

The Economist

It is doubtful that he ever found it.

Independent

It is doubtful that he could be reelected in 1999.

The New Yorker

It is doubtful that this will ever happen.

The New York Times

"It is doubtful that we responded properly," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It is doubtful that Zednik will return this season.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is doubtful that", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for your skepticism. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a doubtful proposition as a confirmed fact. Clearly distinguish between uncertainty and definitive statements to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is doubtful that" functions as a modal expression indicating uncertainty or skepticism. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it serves to qualify a statement, suggesting that its truth or likelihood is questionable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is doubtful that" effectively conveys uncertainty or skepticism in a grammatically sound manner. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and widespread. While it appears across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news, academic and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context supports the expression of doubt and avoid presenting it as a definitive statement. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is questionable whether

Replaces "doubtful" with "questionable", slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

it is uncertain that

Substitutes "doubtful" with "uncertain", offering a direct synonym for expressing a lack of certainty.

it is open to doubt that

Emphasizes the presence of doubt, making it a central point.

it is unlikely that

Replaces the expression of doubt with a statement of low probability.

there are reasons to doubt that

Highlights the existence of specific reasons for skepticism.

it is not clear that

Expresses a lack of clarity or certainty regarding the matter.

one might question whether

Introduces a questioning perspective, softening the assertion of doubt.

I have my doubts whether

Personalizes the expression of doubt, making it a subjective viewpoint.

it remains to be seen if

Shifts the focus to the future, suggesting that the outcome is yet undetermined.

there is some doubt as to whether

Formally indicates the presence of uncertainty surrounding the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "is doubtful that" in a sentence?

Use "is doubtful that" to express skepticism or uncertainty about a particular outcome or statement. For example, "It "is doubtful that" the project will be completed on time due to the ongoing delays".

What are some alternatives to "is doubtful that"?

You can use alternatives like "is unlikely that", "is questionable whether", or "is uncertain that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "is doubtful that" or "is unlikely that"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "is unlikely that" suggests a lower probability, while ""is doubtful that"" emphasizes a sense of skepticism or disbelief. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "is doubtful that" and "is suspicious that"?

"Is doubtful that" indicates uncertainty or a lack of confidence in something, while "is suspicious that" suggests a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. They are not interchangeable.