led to doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "led to doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or event caused uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "The lack of evidence led to doubt regarding the validity of the claims made by the witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He reformed the I.O.C., and yet Samaranch led to doubt that he reformed himself.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a far cry from the early June highs above $42, which led to doubt over the sustainability of the economic recovery.

The New York Times

Tortorella's inability to curb his temper during the playoffs likely led to doubt that he could handle a role as ambassador for USA Hockey in front of an international audience.

The New York Times - Sports

The many journeys made post-mortem by Columbus, or Cristóbal Colón as he is known in Spain, has led to doubt and confusion over his last resting place, with rival tombs claimed by authorities in Seville and Santo Domingo.

The New York Times

A prologue in the viciously purring Korean comedy of sexual conquest, "Untold Scandal," playing tonight as part of the New Directors/New Film series of Lincoln Center, observes of the film's characters, "One is led to doubt whether indeed they existed".

The New York Times

That had led to doubt over whether the club would fulfil its remaining five games of the season, but Findlay says that he expects the players to stay and he will aid their bids to find new clubs for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Subsequent analysis led to doubts about its importance.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, the patchy results have led to doubts about the effectiveness of massive fiscal transfers.

The Guardian

But the extreme curvature and reactivity of this structure have led to doubts about its existence and stability.

Nature

The vague and unprecedented nature of the decree has led to doubts about how it would be used in practice.

The Guardian

But the latest event raised concerns that the 787's problems were potentially more serious than thought and led to doubts about the plane's safety and reliability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "led to doubt", ensure that the subject clearly identifies the cause of the uncertainty. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "led to doubt" can sometimes sound repetitive in formal writing. Consider using synonyms like "sparked uncertainty" or "raised questions" for variety and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "led to doubt" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding event or situation to a subsequent feeling of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "led to doubt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a causal relationship between an event and the subsequent emergence of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition, particularly in formal settings. The key is to clearly identify the cause of the doubt to ensure clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raised questions about

Focuses on the act of questioning rather than explicitly stating doubt.

sparked uncertainty regarding

Emphasizes the beginning of a state of uncertainty.

gave rise to skepticism concerning

More formal and highlights the emergence of skeptical feelings.

prompted suspicions about

Suggests the generation of distrust or wariness.

instilled reservations regarding

Indicates a feeling of holding back or having second thoughts.

engendered disbelief in

Highlights the creation of a lack of belief.

fostered misgivings about

Implies nurturing a sense of unease or apprehension.

cast aspersions on

Indicates a damaging or unfavorable remark.

called into question

Emphasizes a formal challenge to the validity of something.

created a sense of mistrust around

Focuses on the generation of a general feeling of mistrust.

FAQs

How can I use "led to doubt" in a sentence?

Use "led to doubt" to describe a situation or event that caused uncertainty or skepticism. For example: "The conflicting evidence "led to doubt" about the defendant's guilt."

What are some alternatives to "led to doubt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "raised questions about", "sparked uncertainty regarding", or "gave rise to skepticism concerning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "led to doubt" formal or informal?

"Led to doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "engendered disbelief in" to add a layer of sophistication.

What's the difference between "led to doubt" and "reason to doubt"?

"Led to doubt" indicates that something caused uncertainty. "Reason to doubt" implies that there is existing justification for skepticism. For example, "The lack of evidence "led to doubt"", while "There is "reason to doubt" his claims based on his previous statements."