it doubtless was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it doubtless was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express certainty or strong belief about something that occurred in the past. Example: "The event was a success; it doubtless was the result of everyone's hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From his earliest days he must have had some familiarity with the Bible, for it doubtless was the only book his family owned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Tilden had none of the mental habits of a revolutionist, and his lack of them was perfectly well known to his party, as it doubtless was to himself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So it doubtless is in some respects.

The Guardian

"While it doubtless is true that the architect or builder had a lot to do with the characteristics of the house — no doubt characteristics that made it an attractive and salable product — they cannot properly be said to have participated in any legally relevant sense in its resale down the line," Judge Kaplan wrote.

The New York Times

A chunk of money would be needed to get it under way, but it would doubtless be able to sustain itself over time.

The New Yorker

And like everything Belle and Sebastian has released, it will doubtless be regarded by the 100,000 or so people who buy it with something approaching religious veneration.

The New York Times - Arts

Until now, it has doubtless been held back by devotion to its Windows operating system, which dominated the PC age.

The Economist

It will doubtless be denounced in some quarters as public relations and not what it really is, public engagement.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will doubtless be debated long after her death.

The New York Times

It will doubtless be the least purchased book in new Germany.

The New Yorker

For anyone unfamiliar with the play, it will doubtless be an overpowering experience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it doubtless was", ensure the subject and verb agreement are correct. "It" should always be followed by "was" in the past tense.

Common error

Avoid using "doubtless" when referring to present or future events where "probably" or "likely" would be more appropriate. "It doubtless was" is specifically for past certainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it doubtless was" functions as an affirmative statement, expressing a high degree of certainty about a past situation or event. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to confirm an assumption or conclusion based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it doubtless was" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong conviction about a past event. It is more formal and somewhat less common in contemporary English than alternatives like "it surely was" or "it certainly was". According to Ludwig, this phrase, while grammatically sound, is most appropriately used in news, encyclopedic contexts, and when aiming for a formal or slightly archaic tone. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it surely was

Replaces "doubtless" with "surely", offering a slightly less formal tone while retaining the meaning of certainty.

it certainly was

Substitutes "doubtless" with "certainly", providing a more emphatic affirmation.

it unquestionably was

Replaces "doubtless" with "unquestionably", emphasizing the lack of doubt.

it assuredly was

Uses "assuredly" in place of "doubtless", suggesting a confident assertion.

it undoubtedly was

Swaps "doubtless" for "undoubtedly", keeping the sense of no doubt.

it indisputably was

Employs "indisputably" instead of "doubtless", stressing the irrefutable nature of the statement.

it veritably was

Replaces "doubtless" with "veritably", lending a slightly archaic or formal feel.

it demonstrably was

Uses "demonstrably" instead of "doubtless", highlighting the provable nature of the statement.

it patently was

Replaces "doubtless" with "patently", suggesting obviousness.

it most assuredly was

Adds "most" to "assuredly" for increased emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "it doubtless was" in a sentence?

Use "it doubtless was" to express certainty about a past event or situation. For example, "The success of the project was evident; "it doubtless was" the result of dedicated teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "it doubtless was"?

You can use phrases like "it surely was", "it certainly was", or "it undoubtedly was" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it doubtless was" formal or informal?

"It doubtless was" leans towards a more formal or slightly old-fashioned tone. In modern informal contexts, phrases like "it definitely was" or "it sure was" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "it doubtless was" and "it undoubtedly was"?

While both phrases express certainty, "it doubtless was" carries a slightly more archaic or formal connotation than "it undoubtedly was", which is more commonly used in contemporary English.