preliminary doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing initial uncertainties or concerns about a situation or topic before further investigation or analysis. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, I have some preliminary doubts that we need to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nadal cast some preliminary doubt on his participation.

The New York Times - Sports

The two winners, of whose identity there was infinitesimal preliminary doubt, were to fight each other for the right to meet the great Jack Dempsey.

The New Yorker

Having doubt as to the jurisdiction of this Court, we postponed decision of that preliminary question until the hearing of the appeal on the merits.

Cornell University

On September 5th some 25 parliamentarians from coalition ranks abstained or voted against the EFSF expansion in a non-binding preliminary vote, casting doubt on whether the government's 19-seat majority would hold up in a real vote later this month.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Mr Osborne has abandoned a legal challenge to the bonus cap after a preliminary ruling cast doubt on its chances of success.Nobody is quite sure what will replace the allowances, if anything.

The Economist

Although this analysis is preliminary, it raises legitimate doubts on the credibility of forest "credits" accounted as a result of deviations from policy assumptions that are essentially not reviewable from a technical point of view (a review of policy assumption may be perceived as a policy judgment, not acceptable under a review process, e.g. [19]).

Carbon Balance and Management

Many Britons are breathing easier now that a preliminary study has cast doubt on predictions of a deadly epidemic.

Science Magazine

While the exploration reported in this article is still preliminary, there is no doubt that such hybrid nano resonators could find their potential applications in nano- electromechanical devices.

Nanoscale Research Letters

When state officials said they doubted his preliminary results, which showed high lead levels, Edwards launched FOIA requests for Michigan's own data and official correspondence related to the government's response.

Huffington Post

Now in its preliminary phase, there is doubt about whether sufficient funding will be allocated in 2007 for the project to move ahead (National Children's Study 2006).

Environmental Health Perspectives

In a press release issued late last night, the US Embassy in Haiti cast serious doubt on the preliminary results of ballot counts in the November 28 National Election an election already fraught with accusations of ballot tampering, fraud, intimidation and outright theft.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary doubts", ensure that you clarify what these doubts pertain to and the context in which they arise. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clear understanding of your initial reservations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary doubts" as definitive conclusions. Clearly indicate that these are initial reservations subject to further investigation or evidence. Presenting them too strongly can undermine your credibility if later proven wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary doubts" functions as a noun phrase where "preliminary" modifies "doubts". It expresses initial uncertainties or reservations about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary doubts" is a grammatically sound way to express initial uncertainties or reservations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While relatively rare, it serves the purpose of signaling the need for further inquiry before drawing conclusions. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify what these doubts are about to avoid ambiguity, and avoid presenting them as definitive conclusions. Consider alternatives like "initial reservations" or "early concerns" to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial reservations

Focuses on the act of holding back complete agreement or acceptance from the beginning.

early concerns

Highlights the anxiety or worry associated with the initial stage of a situation.

tentative misgivings

Emphasizes the hesitancy and feeling of unease about something not fully understood.

preliminary skepticism

Directly addresses doubt or disbelief at the outset.

initial hesitations

Highlights the pause or reluctance before proceeding, stemming from doubt.

fledgling uncertainties

Indicates that the doubts are new and still developing.

nascent apprehensions

Similar to 'fledgling uncertainties', focusing on the beginning stages of worry.

basic reservations

Simple substitution clarifying the fundamental nature of the reservation.

initial qualms

Qualms suggests a slight feeling of sickness or unease, a more emotional form of doubt.

first thoughts of uncertainty

Highlights the very first moments when doubt arises.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary doubts" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary doubts" to express initial uncertainties or concerns about a topic. For example: "Before we proceed with the project, I have some preliminary doubts that we need to address."

What can I say instead of "preliminary doubts"?

You can use alternatives like "initial reservations", "early concerns", or "tentative misgivings" depending on the context.

When are "preliminary doubts" justified?

"Preliminary doubts" are justified when you have initial concerns based on limited information or before a thorough investigation. It's essential to acknowledge these doubts and investigate them further.

What is the difference between "preliminary doubts" and "serious concerns"?

"Preliminary doubts" suggest initial reservations that need further investigation, while "serious concerns" indicate significant worries based on more substantial evidence. "Preliminary doubts" are a starting point for inquiry, whereas "serious concerns" may require immediate action.