profound doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a deep or significant level of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I was left with profound doubt about the validity of the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

No deployment of Cruise from Greenham ever went unnoticed, casting profound doubt on the security and viability of Cruise missiles.

The Guardian

Occasionally the tone becomes intimate: "I confess that at this point, a profound doubt paralysed my work on the book for weeks and months".

The Guardian - Books

"It raises a profound doubt about whether Russia and the Assad regime can or will live up to obligations they agreed to in Geneva," he added.

The New York Times

In a memoir these days we have come to expect a great read, a gripping yarn and profound doubt (sometimes even on the memoirist's part) as to how much of it is true.

The New York Times - Books

I seem to have recognized the pain and sadness of people and believed that their suffering was at its core of sense of unworthiness or a profound doubt about the acceptability of  whom and what they are — the antidote for which would be God's love.

The New York Times

In an intriguing way, he expressed faith in that hero of our times, the detective or investigator, the epitome of empiricism's take on the truth - even as bewildered Litvinenko commentators voiced profound doubt we would ever know who had the former FSB lieutenant colonel assassinated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But foreign leaders continued to express profound doubts about how long it might hold.

The New York Times

At a summit in late October, it became clear that even France and Germany the "big two" of the EU had profound doubts about Blair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Muskie argued that it was hard to persuade voters to accept new programs while they entertained profound doubts about the efficiency of existing ones.

The New York Times

There are other, more profound doubts too – doubts that are not really about Neville but will affect him – and he will surely be aware of them, not least as some concern precisely that model, the very structure of the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet for all his determination, events on the ground are not only working against a breakthrough, but raising increasingly profound doubts about the coherence of US and western strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound doubt", consider the intensity of the uncertainty you wish to convey. It's best suited for situations where the doubt is significant and deeply felt.

Common error

While "profound doubt" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound melodramatic or repetitive. Use alternatives like "serious reservations" or "deep skepticism" to vary your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound doubt" primarily functions as a noun phrase expressing a significant degree of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying the intensity of the doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Books

15%

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound doubt" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a significant degree of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it's commonly used in news and media and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "deep skepticism" or "serious reservations" can offer variety. While suitable for formal writing, avoid overuse. When using "profound doubt", consider the intensity you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep skepticism

Focuses on the questioning attitude rather than the uncertainty itself.

serious reservations

Highlights specific concerns and hesitations about something.

grave misgivings

Emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the doubts.

considerable uncertainty

Highlights the extent and significance of the lack of certainty.

intense questioning

Focuses on active examination and interrogation leading to doubt.

substantial disbelief

Emphasizes a significant lack of belief in something.

strong apprehensions

Highlights the feelings of anxiety or fear associated with the doubt.

major qualms

Emphasizes feelings of unease or hesitation.

pronounced skepticism

Highlights that skepticism is very noticeable.

genuine lack of conviction

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the absence of belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound doubt" to express a strong feeling of uncertainty about something. For example, "The evidence presented raised "profound doubt" about the defendant's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "profound doubt"?

Some alternatives to "profound doubt" include "deep skepticism", "serious reservations", or "grave misgivings". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "profound doubt" or "profoundest doubt"?

"Profound doubt" is more commonly used and generally sounds more natural in contemporary English. "Profoundest doubt" is grammatically correct but less frequently encountered.

Can "profound doubt" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "profound doubt" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear and strong sense of uncertainty.