looks doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "His chances of success on the project look doubtful given the tight timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

That now looks doubtful.

The Economist

It looks doubtful.

The Economist

But Sarah looks doubtful.

The Guardian

He looks doubtful.

The Guardian

When I tell him this he looks doubtful.

The Guardian - Arts

On if the division is still attainable… It looks doubtful right now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A deal looked doubtful.

The New Yorker

Gary looked doubtful.

Harvard Business Review

Wepner looked doubtful.

The New Yorker

I must be looking doubtful.

The Guardian

The Spanish numbers also look doubtful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider stronger alternatives such as "appears improbable" or "seems unlikely" to convey a more precise degree of doubt or skepticism.

Common error

While "looks doubtful" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, overuse it in academic or professional writing can make your analysis seem less rigorous. Use it sparingly and opt for stronger, more precise alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks doubtful" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a state of uncertainty or low probability. It suggests that based on current observations or information, the outcome is not promising. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks doubtful" is a grammatically correct and common way to express uncertainty or skepticism about a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English, particularly in news media where it frequently appears. While appropriate in many contexts, remember to choose more formal and precise alternatives in academic or professional writing for enhanced rigor. Consider phrases like ""appears improbable"" or ""seems unlikely"" for a more nuanced expression of doubt. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing, tailoring your language to suit the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems uncertain

Suggests a lack of clarity or definiteness.

seems unlikely

Suggests a low expectation of something happening.

is dubious

Indicates strong doubt or suspicion.

appears improbable

Emphasizes a low probability of occurring or being true.

is far from certain

Emphasizes a significant lack of assurance or predictability.

appears questionable

Highlights concerns about the validity or truthfulness of something.

raises doubts

Indicates that something causes uncertainty or disbelief.

is open to question

Suggests that something is not definitively settled and can be challenged.

is unpromising

Implies a lack of positive indications or potential.

presents difficulties

Focuses on the potential problems or challenges associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "looks doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use "looks doubtful" to express uncertainty about a future outcome. For example: "The project's success "looks doubtful" given the budget cuts.".

What are some alternatives to "looks doubtful"?

Alternatives include "seems unlikely", "appears improbable", or "is dubious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "looks doubtful" formal or informal?

"Looks doubtful" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in most contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "appears questionable" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What does it mean when something "looks doubtful"?

When something "looks doubtful", it means that its success, validity, or occurrence is uncertain and gives reasons to suspect that it won't happen or be true.