lingering doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of uncertainty or hesitation that continues after an initial feeling of doubt. For example, "Despite his assurances, I still had a lingering doubt that I made the wrong decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still, there is some lingering doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

"Until then, there is lingering doubt".

The New York Times

But the lingering doubt over Franco's elbow should cause concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Always good to clear up any lingering doubt in the mind of the viewer.

Independent

Any lingering doubt about what was required could now be eliminated.

The Guardian - Sport

There was no lingering doubt for Brook Lopez, the officials or the crowd at Izod Center.

The New York Times

Despite the lingering doubt, the umpires made the correct decision in awarding Posada a homer.

The New York Times - Sports

Lingering doubt follows proceedings that are marred by corruption, as those at the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

The Guardian

This is perhaps the one lingering doubt in many voters' minds.

The Guardian - Opinion

His words removed any lingering doubt on Vo's part about going after them.

The New Yorker

The Islanders' defense, a lingering doubt a year ago, could be one of the team's strengths.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering doubt" to express an uncertainty that continues to affect one's judgment or decision-making even after initial considerations have been addressed.

Common error

Avoid using redundant intensity adverbs with "lingering doubt". Phrases like "very lingering doubt" or "extremely lingering doubt" can sound awkward, as "lingering" already implies a persistent presence. Opt for more precise language to describe the nature or source of the doubt instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a persistent feeling of uncertainty or hesitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering doubt" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a persistent feeling of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the sense of unresolved skepticism in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in scientific discourse, its neutral register makes it widely applicable. When employing this phrase, avoid redundant intensifiers and ensure its usage accurately reflects the ongoing nature of the doubt. While there are several alternatives, such as "lingering uncertainty" or "nagging suspicion", "lingering doubt" maintains its clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering uncertainty

Synonymous; replaces "doubt" with "uncertainty" to emphasize the lack of clarity.

lingering skepticism

Replaces "doubt" with "skepticism", highlighting a questioning attitude that remains.

remaining uncertainty

Focuses on the unresolved aspect of the doubt, emphasizing that some uncertainty still exists.

lingering reservations

Shifts the focus to hesitations or mental holdbacks that persist.

lingering misgivings

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or apprehension that remains after an event or decision.

lingering concern

Highlights the anxiety or worry that continues to be present.

lingering questions

Focuses on unresolved inquiries or matters that still need clarification.

nagging suspicion

Indicates a persistent feeling of mistrust or unease that remains in the background.

persisting ambiguity

Highlights the lack of clarity or definiteness that continues to exist.

unresolved qualms

Emphasizes ethical or moral reservations that have not been settled.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lingering doubt" in a sentence?

Use "lingering doubt" to describe a feeling of uncertainty that remains after an initial assessment. For example, "Despite the positive reviews, I still had a "lingering doubt" about the product's reliability".

What are some alternatives to saying "lingering doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "remaining uncertainty", "lingering uncertainty", or "nagging suspicion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lingering doubts" instead of "lingering doubt"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Lingering doubt" refers to a general feeling of uncertainty, while "lingering doubts" refers to multiple specific instances or sources of uncertainty.

What is the difference between ""lingering doubt"" and "lingering question"?

"Lingering doubt" describes a persistent feeling of uncertainty, while "lingering question" refers to an unresolved issue or inquiry that continues to be considered. They both express a sense of something unresolved, but one relates to a feeling, and the other to a question.