makes me doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes me doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about something. For example: His strange behavior makes me doubt the sincerity of his apology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This makes me doubt the very concept of "dream," "reach" and "safety" schools.

The New York Times

"That's very concentrated; that makes me doubt that it's a global downturn".

The Guardian - Business

But there is something about a marriage tax break that makes me doubt its populist appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't offer me any practical tips for raising my children, and it makes me doubt my parenting skills.

The Washington Post

Slap my behind and call me Sherlock, but this somehow makes me doubt he's in the kitchen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it's not just nostalgia that makes me doubt if the gains will begin to match the losses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I have seen nothing to make me doubt the seriousness and propriety of the decision-making in this case".

The Guardian

"This war made me doubt the past.

The New Yorker

This made me doubt that he could forecast the future.

The New Yorker

All you do is make me doubt myself.

The New Yorker

It was enough to make me doubt my comma sense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "suspect" or "question" if you want to convey a more definitive sense of disbelief, especially in persuasive writing.

Common error

While "makes me doubt" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem less confident. Replace "makes me doubt" with alternatives like "raises concerns about" or "suggests a need for further investigation" to enhance professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes me doubt" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of uncertainty or skepticism. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples show it expressing doubt towards a person's abilities, truthfulness, or the validity of a concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes me doubt" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with the majority of examples found in news and media sources. While generally neutral, consider opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the doubt. Remember to tailor your language to suit the specific situation and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes me to question

Replaces "makes me doubt" with a more formal and direct expression of questioning.

leads me to suspect

Shifts the focus to suspicion rather than doubt, implying a stronger negative feeling.

instills skepticism in me

Uses a more formal and passive voice to express the feeling of doubt.

raises my suspicion

Similar to "leads me to suspect", but emphasizes the act of raising suspicion.

I'm starting to wonder

Introduces a sense of gradual doubt or uncertainty.

I'm beginning to question

Similar to "I'm starting to wonder", but with a more direct emphasis on questioning.

it gives me pause

Suggests a moment of hesitation or reflection due to uncertainty.

I find myself questioning

Emphasizes the speaker's internal process of questioning.

it makes me wonder if

Adds a conditional element, suggesting uncertainty about a specific outcome.

it casts doubt in my mind

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the feeling of doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "makes me doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "makes me doubt" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example, "His inconsistent alibi "makes me doubt" his innocence."

What are some alternatives to "makes me doubt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "causes me to question", "leads me to suspect", or "raises my suspicion".

Is "makes me doubt" formal or informal?

"Makes me doubt" is generally considered neutral in formality. However, in highly formal contexts, you might prefer more sophisticated alternatives such as "instills skepticism in me" or "gives me pause".

What's the difference between "makes me doubt" and "made me doubt"?

"Makes me doubt" implies a current or ongoing feeling of doubt, while "made me doubt" refers to a past feeling. For example, "His initial statement "made me doubt" him, but his subsequent actions reassured me."