modicum of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a small or limited amount of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, there remains a modicum of doubt regarding the validity of the claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The timing seemed to inject a modicum of doubt into the Mets' early plans.

The New York Times - Sports

There is still a modicum of doubt, and some mystery, as to what Saddam did with all those precursors and agents for his biological and chemical arms programmes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then came a promise that his side would fight harder than ever to win it back, and there was not a modicum of doubt in anyone's mind that he meant it.

Independent

You're too good to let anyone let you feel a modicum of doubt or sadness.

Huffington Post

This is intentional, as the study retained any item where there was even a modicum of doubt as to their potential relevance and to reduce selection bias.

British Journal of General Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There's no doubt that time and a modicum of elbow grease are required to make cookies: it's harder than brewing a pot of coffee (unless you're Kelefa Sanneh) but easier, say, than making a bouillabaisse.

The New Yorker

Interesting thought, one no doubt meant to inspire a modicum of sobriety and introspection on the part of teens.

Huffington Post

No doubt he did so with at least a modicum of privacy.

The New York Times - Sports

Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool ahead after 32 minutes and if the home strikers had showed even a modicum of composure in front of goal the result would have been beyond doubt long before Howard stunned the Kop with the winner in stoppage time.

Independent

This suggests a modicum of accountability conspicuously absent in India until now, a positive development no doubt.

Huffington Post

No doubt, due to the reduction surgery I had on that side in order to achieve a modicum of symmetry, given the size of the lumpectomy I had on the other side.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of doubt" when you want to express a small, limited amount of uncertainty without completely dismissing an idea or statement. It's useful in contexts where some reservation remains despite prevailing evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of doubt" when you actually mean substantial uncertainty. 'Modicum' indicates a small quantity, so using it to describe a significant reservation is inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of doubt" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often introducing a qualifier to a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a slight or small amount of uncertainty, softening the impact of a statement and introducing a degree of reservation. Examples provided by Ludwig show it used in diverse contexts to denote minimal doubt.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum of doubt" is a phrase used to express a small amount of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, it provides a nuanced way to express reservation without complete rejection. Using it effectively involves recognizing that 'modicum' signifies a small quantity, and avoiding its misuse when substantial uncertainty is intended. When expressing uncertainty, consider alternatives like "slightest doubt" or "hint of doubt" for semantic precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightest doubt

Emphasizes the minimal quantity of doubt, highlighting its near insignificance.

hint of doubt

Suggests a subtle or indirect presence of doubt, more implied than explicitly stated.

trace of doubt

Implies an extremely small and barely perceptible amount of doubt.

degree of uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertainty aspect, quantifying it to a certain extent.

vestige of doubt

Indicates a remaining or lingering doubt from a previous state.

flicker of doubt

Describes a momentary or fleeting feeling of doubt that is not sustained.

speck of doubt

Emphasizes the minuscule size and potential insignificance of the doubt.

shade of doubt

Subtly suggests a slight reservation or uncertainty influencing a decision or belief.

iota of uncertainty

Reinforces the minimal presence of uncertainty, using 'iota' to convey a very small quantity.

scintilla of doubt

Implies a tiny spark or glimmer of doubt, almost imperceptible but still present.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "modicum of doubt" to express a small amount of uncertainty, such as: "Despite the positive reviews, I still have a "modicum of doubt" about the film's success."

What phrases are similar to "modicum of doubt"?

Similar phrases include "slightest doubt", "hint of doubt", or "trace of doubt", all indicating a small degree of uncertainty.

Is it appropriate to use "modicum of doubt" in formal writing?

Yes, "modicum of doubt" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a nuanced way to express limited uncertainty without outright dismissal. However, consider whether simpler alternatives like "slight doubt" might be more appropriate for clarity.

What's the difference between "modicum of doubt" and "reasonable doubt"?

"Modicum of doubt" refers to a small amount of uncertainty in general, whereas "reasonable doubt" is a legal term referring to the level of uncertainty required to acquit a defendant in a criminal trial. "Reasonable doubt" implies a higher threshold of uncertainty than a simple "modicum of doubt".