moment of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moment of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation regarding a decision or belief. Example: "During the presentation, I experienced a moment of doubt about my conclusions, but I quickly regained my confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A moment of doubt.

The New York Times

Boertje-Obed had a moment of doubt.

The New Yorker

I had my moment of doubt.

The Guardian

Nielsen admits to a moment of doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

" 'You'll play Captain Hook.' " He had a moment of doubt.

The New York Times

After a moment of doubt, the hounds ran toward him.

The New York Times - Sports

I should think even Tolstoy had that moment of doubt.

The Guardian - Books

That was my first moment of doubt about these people.

The Guardian

Any doubts?" Nothing from anybody.' For Bush, it was a rare moment of doubt.

The New York Times - Books

It might have been more illuminating to admit his moment of doubt.

Independent

I felt so happy and uplifted that I couldn't believe I'd had a moment of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation, using "moment of doubt" effectively conveys the tension and uncertainty involved, making the scenario more engaging for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "moment of doubt" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language by using synonyms like "hesitation", "uncertainty", or "wavering" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moment of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a transient state of uncertainty or hesitation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Lifestyle

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Arts

6%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moment of doubt" effectively describes a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in English, particularly in news, lifestyle and book contexts. When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider using alternatives like "hesitation" or "wavering" to maintain variety. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. Understanding its function and purpose allows writers to use it effectively to convey internal conflict and uncertainty. Numerous examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, showcase its common usage and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split-second hesitation

Highlights how quickly doubt appeared and disappeared.

fleeting hesitation

Focuses on the brief duration of the hesitation, highlighting its transience.

fleeting uncertainty

Focuses on how short the uncertainty was.

brief period of uncertainty

Highlights the uncertainty experienced during a short timeframe.

transient uncertainty

Emphasizes that the uncertainty is not permanent, only lasting a short time.

temporary lapse in confidence

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the reduced self-assurance.

passing qualm

Suggests a slight feeling of doubt or worry that quickly disappears.

brief apprehension

Emphasizes the slight fear that doubt brought.

quick faltering

Highlights the temporary lapse in resolve or certainty.

sudden wavering

Implies a sudden instability or fluctuation in conviction.

FAQs

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

You can use "moment of doubt" to describe a brief period of uncertainty or hesitation. For example, "During the presentation, I had a "moment of doubt" about my conclusions, but I quickly regained my confidence."

What phrases are similar to "moment of doubt"?

Alternatives to "moment of doubt" include "fleeting hesitation", "temporary lapse in confidence", or "brief period of uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a moment of doubts" instead of "moment of doubt"?

No, the correct phrase is "moment of doubt". "Doubt" is generally used as an uncountable noun in this context, so it does not take a plural form. Saying "a moment of doubts" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "moment of doubt" and "period of doubt"?

"Moment of doubt" refers to a very short, specific instance of uncertainty, while "period of doubt" ("period of doubt") suggests a longer duration of uncertainty and questioning.