more doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more doubtful" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing levels of doubt between two or more subjects or situations. Example: "After hearing the new evidence, I am more doubtful about his innocence." Alternative expressions include "less certain" and "more uncertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have long doubted the word "fiction," but I'm even more doubtful about what "non-fiction" supposedly represents.

The New Yorker

Vatican observers were more doubtful.

The New York Times

Others were more doubtful.

The New York Times

Other Republicans were even more doubtful.

The New York Times

Whether it is politically possible, however, seems much more doubtful.

Cornell University

Claims of early Hindu contacts farther east are more doubtful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the benefits to subscribers are more doubtful.

The New York Times

Whether it will benefit America is more doubtful.

The Economist

Whether it is always convincing is more doubtful.

The Economist

But experts are more doubtful that there's a connection.

The Washington Post

Some Republicans sounded more doubtful of those talks bearing fruit.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more doubtful", consider whether the context implies a comparison. If so, ensure the comparison is clear: "I am more doubtful about this plan than I was about the last one."

Common error

Avoid using "more doubtful" without establishing what the doubt is being compared to. For example, instead of saying "I'm more doubtful", specify "I'm more doubtful now than I was yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more doubtful" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun (often implied, as in "I am more doubtful") to express a greater degree of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more doubtful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a heightened sense of uncertainty or skepticism. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it functions as a comparative adjective phrase applicable across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, academic and encyclopedia media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide a clear comparison when using the phrase. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more uncertain

Changes the adjective from "doubtful" to "uncertain", keeping a very similar meaning of lacking sureness.

less certain

Uses the opposite adjective ("certain") with "less" to convey a similar meaning of reduced confidence.

more skeptical

Replaces "doubtful" with "skeptical", emphasizing a questioning or disbelieving attitude.

increasingly dubious

Emphasizes the growth of doubt or suspicion over time.

growing more suspicious

Highlights a developing sense of distrust or unease.

becoming less convinced

Focuses on a diminishing level of belief or persuasion.

having greater reservations

Emphasizes the presence of hesitations or concerns.

feeling more apprehensive

Highlights the anxious or uneasy feelings associated with doubt.

losing confidence

Shifts the focus to the decline in one's assurance or faith.

questioning further

Emphasizes the act of doubting and asking questions for clarity or validation.

FAQs

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

You can use "more doubtful" to express an increased sense of uncertainty about something compared to a previous state or another option. For example, "After seeing the evidence, I am "more doubtful" about his innocence than I was before".

What's the difference between "more doubtful" and "less certain"?

"More doubtful" and "less certain" are similar, but "more doubtful" often implies a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism. "Less certain" simply means you are not as sure as you were.

What can I say instead of "more doubtful"?

You can use alternatives like "more uncertain", "more skeptical", or "increasingly dubious" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am more doubtful"?

Yes, it is correct to say "I am more doubtful". It is a grammatically sound phrase used to express an increase in doubt or uncertainty.