it remains doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it remains doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a situation or statement. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, it remains doubtful whether the proposed solution will be effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Nevertheless, it remains doubtful that goldfish are as adept at reversal tasks as rats are.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it remains doubtful whether the similar cultural imprint indicates an original identity of stock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it remains doubtful whether there is anything more substantial that Syria can offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it remains doubtful Senate Democratic leaders would go along with such a version.

The New York Times

But it remains doubtful that Mr. Morales will support either man.

The New York Times

Neither was present this year, and it remains doubtful whether either will race the Tour again.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It therefore remains doubtful that including CAM in basic health coverage would have had a long term, cost containing effect, on overall expenditures in Swiss health care.

BMC Health Services Research

While the involvement of the NO-cGMP pathway is relatively established [e.g. 1], [2], [43], [44], its cellular source remains doubtful.

Plosone

Hence, the influence of education level on entrepreneurial intention still remains doubtful so it calls for further research in the field.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Ultimately, whether Russia obtains much, if any, enduring strategic gain from its heightened activism abroad remains doubtful, considering the country's fraught relations with Europe and its gathering eclipse by China.

The Washington Post

However, the effectiveness of anti-tussive in western medicine remains doubtful despite its large market and wide consumption.

Cough

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remains doubtful" to introduce a counterargument or to express reservations about a claim, showing balanced consideration of different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it remains doubtful", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure using synonyms like "it is uncertain" or "it is questionable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains doubtful" functions as a hedge, expressing uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a usable phrase in written English. It serves to qualify a statement, suggesting that its truth or likelihood is not fully established. This is supported by examples that demonstrate doubt about various claims.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it remains doubtful" serves as a linguistic tool to express uncertainty or skepticism, often in a neutral to formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase appears commonly in news and scientific writing, where objectivity and careful consideration of claims are paramount. Related phrases include "it remains uncertain" and "it remains improbable", offering similar shades of meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what is being questioned and avoid overuse to maintain writing style. Despite being valid and common, varying sentence structure and word choice enhances the writing's impact and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains improbable

Replaces "doubtful" with a synonym suggesting a low probability.

it remains dubious

Substitutes "doubtful" with "dubious", emphasizing suspicion or uncertainty.

it remains unclear

Indicates a lack of clarity rather than doubt, focusing on absence of certainty.

it remains unlikely

Indicates a low probability of something happening.

it remains uncertain

Focuses on the absence of definitive knowledge or prediction.

it remains suspicious

Replaces "doubtful" with "suspicious", implying distrust or concern.

it remains unsure

Emphasizes the lack of sureness or confidence.

it remains sceptical

Uses British spelling "sceptical"; highlights a questioning attitude.

it remains debatable

Highlights that the topic is subject to argument.

it remains unconvinced

Highlights lack of convincing evidence.

FAQs

What does "it remains doubtful" mean?

The phrase "it remains doubtful" expresses uncertainty or skepticism about a particular situation or claim. It suggests that there is reason to believe something may not be true or may not happen.

How can I use "it remains doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "it remains doubtful" to express reservations about a claim or outcome. For example: "Despite the new evidence, "it remains doubtful" that the project will be completed on time."

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

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

Is "it is doubtful" the same as "it remains doubtful"?

While similar, "it remains doubtful" implies that the doubt has persisted over time or despite new information, whereas "it is doubtful" simply expresses current uncertainty. The former suggests a continuing lack of confidence.