is doubtful to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is doubtful to proceed" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "is doubtful whether to proceed." Example: "The committee is doubtful whether to proceed with the project given the recent developments."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, Tim Landi, vice president for external affairs of the New York Botanical Garden, said he and fellow planners had been doubtful about proceeding with an event planned for Tuesday.

The New York Times - Style

Absent the support he enjoyed in these quarters, it is doubtful that the government could have proceeded with its admittedly incomplete ISLAMABAD 00005388 003 OF 003 religious-reform agenda.

The Guardian

He is doubtful for the midweek trip to Southampton.

The Guardian - Sport

It is doubtful that Brendl is going to enjoy this summer.

The New York Times - Sports

According to Descartes, history is doubtful because it is selective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is doubtful you will want to use less.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is doubtful that Customs and Border Protection officers will have a clear idea anytime soon about how they are supposed to proceed, given the contradictory statements by the Trump Administration.

The New Yorker

Judge Roberts decided not to wait and said: "It is rather doubtful whether she would wish to add anything so I am inclined to proceed today.

BBC

Even if Iran proceeded with a plan to build 10 enrichment plants, it is doubtful Iran could execute that plan for years, maybe decades.

The New York Times

We're ready to proceed.

WikiHow

Hence, application to surface cracked pipes under large deformation is doubtful.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing doubt about a future action, use the structure "is doubtful whether to proceed" or "is doubtful about proceeding" for grammatical correctness. For example: "The committee is doubtful whether to proceed with the project."

Common error

Avoid using "to" directly after "doubtful" when indicating uncertainty about an action. Instead, use "whether" or "about" to connect the doubt to the action. Incorrect: "is doubtful to proceed." Correct: "is doubtful whether to proceed" or "is doubtful about proceeding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is doubtful to proceed" functions as an adjective phrase expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a future action. However, as noted by Ludwig, this specific construction is grammatically incorrect, suggesting the need for a different formulation to properly convey doubt.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is doubtful to proceed" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, a more appropriate expression would be "is doubtful whether to proceed" or "is uncertain about proceeding". While the intention is to express uncertainty or skepticism, the incorrect grammar undermines its effectiveness, particularly in formal settings. It is important to favor the alternative options, such as "is doubtful whether to proceed" or "is uncertain about proceeding", to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is doubtful whether to proceed

Specifies that the doubt concerns the choice of whether or not to continue.

is uncertain about proceeding

Indicates a lack of certainty regarding the continuation of an action.

is hesitant to proceed

Conveys a reluctance or unwillingness to continue an action.

is questionable to proceed

Suggests that there are doubts or reservations about the advisability of continuing.

is unlikely to proceed

Indicates a low probability that the action will continue.

is dubious about proceeding

Expresses skepticism or disbelief regarding the continuation of an action.

is unsure if to proceed

Highlights a lack of clarity or confidence about whether to continue.

is skeptical of proceeding

Suggests a cautious or questioning attitude towards the continuation of an action.

has reservations about proceeding

Indicates that there are concerns or objections to continuing.

is apprehensive about proceeding

Conveys anxiety or fear regarding the continuation of an action.

FAQs

How to correctly use "is doubtful" in a sentence?

The phrase "is doubtful" should be followed by "whether" or "about" when expressing uncertainty about an action. For example, "He is doubtful whether to accept the offer" or "She is doubtful about the outcome" are correct usages.

What can I say instead of "is doubtful to proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "is doubtful whether to proceed", "is uncertain about proceeding", or "is hesitant to proceed".

Which is correct, "is doubtful to proceed" or "is doubtful about proceeding"?

"Is doubtful about proceeding" is the correct and grammatically sound option. The phrase "is doubtful to proceed" is considered incorrect. Refer to Ludwig AI to check the validity of english phrases.

What's the difference between "is doubtful whether to proceed" and "is uncertain about proceeding"?

Both phrases express uncertainty about moving forward. "Is doubtful whether to proceed" implies a stronger sense of skepticism or disbelief, while "is uncertain about proceeding" suggests a lack of clarity or confidence. Use "is doubtful whether to proceed" when expressing a stronger level of skepticism and "is uncertain about proceeding" for a general expression of a lack of certainity.