it remains doubtful whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"it remains doubtful whether" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to introduce a statement of uncertainty or debate. For example, "It remains doubtful whether the current government has the public's trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian - Sport

Battling for brains Reprints Related items North-Rhine Westphalia: Boomtown bustSep 23rd 2004 German elections: A plague on both your partiesSep 23rd 2004Yet it remains doubtful whether the far right can repeat this week's success in the west.

The Economist

And though Chekhov's mature plays have since become established in repertoires all over the world, it remains doubtful whether his craving for the light touch has been satisfied except on the rarest of occasions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it remains doubtful whether Moscow will carry out a Crimea-style annexation of the region, which held a controversial referendum on independence on Sunday, together with neighbouring Luhansk.

The Guardian

Few believe Syriza will not emerge as the first party on 25 January, although in a climate of deepening fear it remains doubtful whether it will be able to muster an outright majority.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it remains doubtful that the separatists are alone to blame for the downing of the plane.

Huffington Post

In our case, it remains doubtful if we could find meaningful subsets of trees.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It remains doubtful if the absence of the 356R homozygotes is real or spurious.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it remains doubtful whether" to introduce a statement when you want to express skepticism or uncertainty about a particular outcome or situation. This phrase is especially effective in formal writing to convey a sense of measured doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "it remains doubtful whether" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of doubt in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it remains doubtful whether" serves as a hedging device, introducing a statement of uncertainty or skepticism. It expresses a lack of confidence in a particular outcome or situation. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to temper assertions and convey a nuanced perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it remains doubtful whether" is a phrase used to express uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal writing. It's often used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it should be used sparingly in informal situations. Alternatives like "it remains questionable whether" or "it is doubtful whether" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to use it judiciously to convey nuanced doubt effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains questionable whether

Replaces "doubtful" with "questionable", indicating a similar level of uncertainty but with a slightly more formal tone.

it remains uncertain whether

Substitutes "doubtful" with "uncertain", conveying a lack of definite knowledge or predictability.

it remains ambiguous whether

Replaces "doubtful" with "ambiguous", suggesting that the situation is open to multiple interpretations.

it is doubtful whether

Omits "remains", resulting in a slightly more direct and less emphatic expression of doubt.

it's doubtful whether

Contraction of "it is", creating a more informal tone while retaining the core meaning.

it is open to question whether

Uses a more complex structure to express doubt, emphasizing that the matter is debatable.

the possibility remains that

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something happening, rather than directly expressing doubt.

there is some doubt as to whether

Emphasizes the existence of doubt, using a more elaborate and formal structure.

it is a matter of speculation whether

Suggests that the matter is based on conjecture rather than fact, introducing a tone of uncertainty.

it is not clear whether

Focuses on the lack of clarity, implying doubt but with a slightly different emphasis.

FAQs

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

This phrase introduces uncertainty about a future event or current situation. For example, "It remains doubtful whether the project will be completed on time" or "It remains doubtful whether the new policy will be effective".

What are some alternatives to "it remains doubtful whether"?

You can use alternatives like "it remains questionable whether", "it is doubtful whether", or "it is not clear whether" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "it is doubtful whether" or "it remains doubtful whether"?

While both are relatively formal, "it remains doubtful whether" suggests a persistent or ongoing state of uncertainty, making it slightly more emphatic and typically more formal than "it is doubtful whether".

What is the difference between "it remains doubtful whether" and "it remains unclear whether"?

"It remains doubtful whether" expresses skepticism or disbelief about a specific outcome, while "it remains unclear whether" suggests a lack of information or understanding. Doubt implies a stronger negative expectation than simply a lack of clarity.