profound doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing deep uncertainty or skepticism about a particular issue or situation. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, I still have profound doubts about the validity of the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

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

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

Microsoft stepped up its attack yesterday on the judge who ordered the company split in two, saying that recently published interviews "raised profound doubts about his impartiality and the fairness of the trial he conducted".

The New York Times

"I have profound doubts that Dema's death occurred the way it is presented in the official documents," Nelson Pellegrino, chairman of the Human Rights Commission of the lower house of the Brazilian Congress, said in a hearing here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound doubts" to express a deep and significant level of uncertainty, especially when the implications are serious or far-reaching.

Common error

Avoid using "profound doubts" in everyday conversations or situations where the uncertainty is minor. Reserve it for scenarios that warrant a strong expression of skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound doubts" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "profound" intensifies the noun "doubts". It indicates a deep and significant level of uncertainty or skepticism. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for formal English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound doubts" is a phrase used to express a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism. Grammatically correct and primarily used in news, media, scientific and encyclopedia contexts, it conveys a deeper level of uncertainty than alternatives such as "serious concerns". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the subject matter. While alternatives exist, "profound doubts" adds a specific weight and intensity to the expression of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound skepticism

Changes noun and adjective order. Maintains semantic likeness.

intense uncertainty

The intensity of the feeling is emphasized in alternative.

deep misgivings

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of apprehension than the original phrase.

grave reservations

This alternative emphasizes the seriousness of the concerns.

serious concerns

This is a more general and less intense way to express doubt.

considerable skepticism

This alternative highlights the disbelief aspect of the doubt.

significant questions

This phrase focuses on the unresolved issues that cause the doubt.

lingering uncertainties

This emphasizes the persistent nature of the doubts.

fundamental disbelief

This alternative stresses a complete lack of belief.

genuine apprehension

This alternative shifts the focus to the feeling of worry or fear.

FAQs

How to use "profound doubts" in a sentence?

Use "profound doubts" to express deep uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: "Despite the initial optimism, I have "profound doubts" about the project's long-term success."

What can I say instead of "profound doubts"?

You can use alternatives like "deep misgivings", "grave reservations", or "serious concerns" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "profound doubts" or "deep doubts"?

"Profound doubts" is generally used to express a more significant level of uncertainty than "deep doubts", although both are grammatically correct and understandable.

What's the difference between "profound doubts" and "serious concerns"?

"Profound doubts" implies a stronger sense of disbelief or uncertainty, while "serious concerns" suggests worry or apprehension about potential negative outcomes.