it is doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is doubtful" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or expressing doubt about something. For example, "It is doubtful that he will get the job due to his lack of experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is doubtful whether doing this would achieve its purpose".

The Guardian

However it is doubtful.

The New Yorker

But it is doubtful Agus will qualify.

The Economist

It is doubtful if Hammond tried that.

The Guardian - Sport

It is doubtful he will quit.

The Guardian - Sport

And it is doubtful that former Gov.

The New York Times

It is doubtful he would have achieved acclaim without it.

The Economist

It is doubtful whether it ever had any real existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet it is doubtful that much will change.

The Economist

It is doubtful whether he even considered the possible repercussions.

Independent

It is doubtful that Oreopithecus habitually stood erect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is doubtful" to express a polite yet firm sense of skepticism about a statement or possibility. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While generally versatile, avoid overusing "it is doubtful" in extremely formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "it remains to be seen" or "the evidence is inconclusive" may offer a more nuanced and sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is doubtful" serves as a hedging device, expressing a qualified assertion or a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to soften a statement or express skepticism without making a direct contradiction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is doubtful" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty, skepticism, or polite disagreement across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings, although it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When aiming for nuance, alternatives like "it is questionable" or "it is uncertain" can be considered. While widely applicable, overuse in highly formal academic writing should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is questionable

Emphasizes uncertainty about the truth or validity of something.

it is uncertain

Focuses on the lack of definite knowledge about a situation.

it is improbable

Suggests that something is unlikely to happen or be true.

it is unlikely

Directly states the low probability of an event or fact.

it is dubious

Highlights the potential dishonesty or untrustworthiness of something.

it is suspect

Indicates that something is not as it appears and may be wrong.

it is debatable

Suggests the topic is open to argument or disagreement.

it is unconvinced

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion.

it is far from certain

Emphasizes a high degree of uncertainty and lack of confidence.

the likelihood is low

Expresses a minimal probability of something happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is doubtful" to express uncertainty or skepticism about a particular outcome or situation. For example, "It is doubtful that the project will be completed on time."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is questionable", "it is uncertain", or "it is unlikely" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is doubtful" or "it is doubtable"?

"It is doubtful" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "It is doubtable" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "it is doubtful" and "it is dubious"?

"It is doubtful" expresses general uncertainty or skepticism. "It is dubious" implies suspicion or a lack of trustworthiness. For example, "It is doubtful that he will arrive on time" versus "His claims about his past are dubious".