not in doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"not in doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is certain or without a doubt. For example, "His talent for music was not in doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- are not in doubt.

The New York Times

Its economic potential is not in doubt.

The Economist

His guilt was not in doubt.

The Economist

The outcome is not in doubt.

The New York Times

Sergeant Davis was not in doubt.

The New Yorker

One thing is not in doubt, though.

The New York Times - Arts

The murders, however, are not in doubt.

The Economist

Mr Wahid's honesty is not in doubt.

The Economist

Mr. Sanchez's guilt is not in doubt.

The New York Times

Big Bound's fitness is not in doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

Waugh's form is not in doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "not in doubt" when summarizing a widely accepted fact or conclusion, especially in reports or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not in doubt" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "certain" or "sure" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in doubt" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun, indicating that the quality or characteristic associated with that noun is certain and unquestionable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in doubt" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey certainty and assurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and frequently encountered across various writing styles, but especially within the news and media. While appropriate for formal contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly pretentious. Alternatives such as "without a doubt" or "certainly" offer simpler ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a doubt

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of any uncertainty.

beyond any shadow of a doubt

This alternative is a more emphatic way of saying "without a doubt", stressing complete certainty.

undeniably

This alternative stresses that something is true to such an extent that it cannot be denied.

beyond question

This alternative expresses a stronger sense of certainty, implying that something is completely undeniable.

indisputable

This alternative suggests that something cannot be argued against or challenged.

unquestionable

This alternative highlights that something is so obvious that it does not require questioning.

certainly

This alternative is a single-word adverb expressing confidence and assurance.

definitely

This alternative indicates a firm and clear affirmation with no possibility of doubt.

assuredly

This alternative emphasizes a feeling of confidence in the truth or reliability of something.

patently

This alternative indicates that something is easily recognizable or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "not in doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "not in doubt" to express certainty about something. For example, "His commitment to the project is "not in doubt"".

What are some alternatives to "not in doubt"?

Some alternatives to "not in doubt" include "without a doubt", "beyond question", or "certainly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "not in doubt" or "without a doubt"?

"Not in doubt" tends to be perceived as slightly more formal than "without a doubt", although both are suitable for professional and academic contexts. Consider the overall tone of your writing when choosing between them.

When is it appropriate to use "not in doubt"?

It's appropriate to use "not in doubt" when you want to emphasize that something is definitively true and there is no reasonable basis for questioning it. This phrase is particularly useful in persuasive writing or when presenting evidence.