open to doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"open to doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is uncertain or debatable. For example, "His version of events is open to doubt, as he was not a reliable witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet whether China will accept anything less than the full opening of links with Taiwan is open to doubt.

The Economist

But insurance is more open to doubt than other areas.

The Economist

It is open to doubt whether they will obey it.

The Economist

Whether its finances are as secure is open to doubt.

The Economist

"It looks beautiful, but it is open to doubt".

The New York Times

Whether these sanctions will bite is open to doubt given the difficulty of policing jobs.

The Economist

His gift for self-promotion leaves this statement open to doubt.

The Economist

Whether it will succeed in becoming a true multi-utility, though, is still open to doubt.

The Economist

Maybe the typical stories were boring, or judged to be too ambiguous — open to doubt.

The New Yorker

What he can now do before the election, let alone after, is open to doubt.

The Economist

That Ronny Deila is an honest man is not open to doubt.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "open to doubt" when you want to express that a statement, fact, or idea is not definitively proven and may be challenged.

Common error

While "open to doubt" is acceptable, using it excessively can make your writing sound less confident. Consider using stronger, more specific terms like "unconfirmed" or "debatable" to convey your skepticism more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to doubt" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate uncertainty or questionability. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes the state of a claim, possibility, or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open to doubt" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While suitable for general writing, consider more precise alternatives like "debatable" or "questionable" for formal settings. Remember to use "open to doubt" when you wish to indicate that something is not definitively proven and requires further scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to question

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of questioning the veracity or reliability of something.

debatable

This term suggests that the matter is open to discussion and argument, implying no definitive answer exists.

questionable

This word indicates that something raises doubts or suspicions about its validity or truthfulness.

uncertain

This highlights the lack of clarity or sureness regarding a particular matter.

dubious

This term suggests a strong feeling of doubt or skepticism.

unconfirmed

This alternative emphasizes the lack of verification or validation of information.

up for debate

Implies a more active discussion or consideration is needed.

remains to be seen

Focuses on the future resolution of the uncertainty.

not entirely clear

Indicates a lack of complete understanding or transparency.

subject to scrutiny

Highlights the potential for careful and critical examination.

FAQs

How can I use "open to doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "open to doubt" to express that something is uncertain or questionable. For example, "The accuracy of the witness's statement is "open to doubt"".

What's a more formal alternative to "open to doubt"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "subject to question" or "debatable".

Is it better to say "open to doubt" or "subject to doubt"?

Both "open to doubt" and "subject to doubt" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Open to doubt" is perhaps slightly more common in general usage.

When should I use "open to doubt" instead of "unlikely"?

"Open to doubt" suggests uncertainty or a lack of confirmation, while "unlikely" implies a low probability. Use "open to doubt" when the truth is simply unknown, and "unlikely" when there's evidence suggesting it's not true.