it is highly doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is highly doubtful' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or uncertainty about something. Here is an example: "It is highly doubtful that the team will be able to win the championship without their star player who is injured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

There is no information about statins therapy in the blood donors group, but taking into account the inclusion criteria (no symptoms of CAD and its negative family history), it is highly doubtful that these subjects were treated with statins.

Disease Markers

It probably seems odd that the sounds of a language could be of any import in explicating the philosophies of its speakers: French certainly sounds different than German, but it is highly doubtful the differences are of any philosophical import.

SEP

It is highly doubtful that people vote as their papers tell them, for instance.

The Guardian

And it is highly doubtful that they will feel any more comfortable with Corbyn.

The Guardian

It is highly doubtful that the senator would favor either of those outcomes.

The New York Times

It is highly doubtful, however, that American taxpayers are getting their money's worth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's highly doubtful this option exists.

The New York Times

He added: It was highly doubtful that it was going to be effective.

The Guardian

It did not take long to conclude that it was highly doubtful that any such transaction had ever taken place.

The New York Times

Torre said it was highly doubtful that he would activate Jason Giambi for the next round if Olerud is not ready.

The New York Times - Sports

But in this cycle it's highly doubtful that they will help a Republican win the nomination.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is highly doubtful" to express a strong sense of skepticism, but ensure the context supports such a firm stance. Overusing it can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly doubtful" when you mean something is impossible. "Doubtful" implies uncertainty, whereas "impossible" suggests a complete lack of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly doubtful" serves as an evaluative expression, functioning to introduce a statement of strong skepticism or disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable element in English writing. The examples show it qualifying various scenarios with uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is highly doubtful" is a versatile phrase for expressing strong skepticism, deemed grammatically sound and widely used. While effective across diverse contexts, mainly in news and media, as shown by Ludwig, careful consideration ensures its impact. Remember to distinguish its meaning from impossibility, and explore related phrases to diversify your expressions of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly improbable

Emphasizes a low probability of occurrence, rather than expressing doubt.

it is very unlikely

Focuses on the low chance of something happening.

it is quite uncertain

Highlights the lack of certainty surrounding a situation.

it seems questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or suspicion.

it is far from certain

Indicates that there is considerable doubt or uncertainty.

it is open to question

Implies that something is debatable or not fully established.

there is little reason to believe

Expresses a lack of confidence in the truth or validity of something.

one might well doubt

Formally introduces an element of skepticism.

it remains dubious

Stresses the uncertainty and lack of clarity.

skepticism is warranted

Suggests that a cautious or questioning attitude is appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "it is highly doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is highly doubtful" to express strong skepticism about a particular outcome or belief. For example, "It is highly doubtful that the project will be completed on time given the current delays."

What phrases are similar to "it is highly doubtful"?

Alternatives include "it is highly unlikely", "it is far from certain", or "it seems questionable", each conveying a degree of uncertainty or disbelief.

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

"It is highly doubtful" implies a strong sense of skepticism or low probability, while "it is impossible" asserts that something cannot occur under any circumstances. The first suggests uncertainty, the second, a definitive negation.

Is "it is highly doubted" correct?

While grammatically understandable, "it is highly doubted" is less common and less idiomatic than "it is highly doubtful". The latter is the preferred phrasing for expressing strong doubt.