pressing doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pressing doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or urgent feeling of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "Despite the assurances given, I still felt a pressing doubt about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet fresh twists in Pakistan's political turmoil are certain.The most pressing doubt surrounds the terms of her homecoming.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A tipster had alerted them to the High Line's hipness, and so upon arrival there — sweating, parched — they immediately worked their sources to find the answer to what, no doubt, was the most pressing question of the day.

The New York Times

The outcome of that pressing question is never in any great doubt, of course.

The New York Times

As the markets pitch and yaw the pressing question is whether central bankers and regulators have acted with swift prudence, or ill-judged panic.There is no doubt that this is a frightening moment.

The Economist

"There were stretches when he was pressing, no doubt," Thunder Coach Scott Brooks said of Durant.

The New York Times - Sports

The experience has left a pressing residue of doubt in the minds of voters.

The Guardian

In fact, when I called Graj he was doing the rounds at the NOAH conference, no doubt pressing flesh with investors.

TechCrunch

Rublev's dilemma is resolved after he watches a young craftsman at work on a huge church bell, untrammelled by doubts, pressing ahead through all difficulties.

The Guardian - Film

Marlborough stands accused – possibly for political and diplomatic reasons – of not pressing his private doubts about reinforcing failure.

Wikipedia

"There's no doubt that he's pressing," Scioscia said, "absolutely no doubt".

Los Angeles Times

You can follow everything that happens on our liveblog and no doubt by pressing the red button on your TV remote if you live in the UK.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing doubt" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or importance surrounding a feeling of uncertainty. For example, in discussing economic policy or political situations.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing doubt" simply as a fancier way to say "doubt". Ensure the context genuinely involves a time-sensitive or critical situation where the doubt carries significant weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing doubt" functions as a noun phrase, where "pressing" acts as a qualifying adjective that intensifies the noun "doubt". This emphasizes the significant and urgent nature of the uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pressing doubt" effectively conveys a significant and urgent feeling of uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources. When employing this term, ensure that the context warrants the sense of urgency and importance implied by "pressing". Consider alternatives like "urgent uncertainty" or "serious misgiving" for subtle differences in emphasis. Avoid using "pressing" merely as a stylistic embellishment if the situation lacks genuine urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent uncertainty

Focuses on the immediacy and importance of the uncertainty.

serious misgiving

Emphasizes the gravity and potential consequences of the doubt.

grave apprehension

Highlights a feeling of fear or anxiety about a future event.

lingering skepticism

Suggests that the doubt persists over time.

significant reservation

Indicates a notable hesitation or objection.

deep-seated uncertainty

Implies the uncertainty is profound and firmly established.

paramount concern

Shifts the focus to the importance of the concern itself, rather than the doubt.

burning question

Highlights the urgency and importance of a question that needs to be answered.

chief reservation

Indicates the primary or most significant reservation.

critical uncertainty

Implies uncertainty is decisive or of great importance.

FAQs

How can I use "pressing doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "pressing doubt" to describe a significant uncertainty that requires immediate attention. For example: "There is a "pressing doubt" about the company's ability to meet its financial obligations."

What phrases are similar to "pressing doubt"?

Alternatives to "pressing doubt" include "urgent uncertainty", "serious misgiving", or "grave apprehension", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "pressing doubt"?

Use "pressing doubt" when the uncertainty is not only significant but also requires immediate consideration or action due to its potential impact. Consider more generic options like “uncertainty” when urgency is not part of the context.

What distinguishes "pressing doubt" from a regular doubt?

The term "pressing" adds a sense of urgency and importance to the doubt. A regular doubt might be a simple uncertainty, whereas a "pressing doubt" demands immediate attention and consideration.