promoting doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promoting doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or statements that lead others to question or be uncertain about something. Example: "The politician's ambiguous statements are promoting doubt about his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are lots of groups promoting doubt about climate science that have a clear financial stake in blocking climate legislation.

The New Yorker

"The most frustrating part of this process is the uncertainty it creates – making strategic planning difficult and promoting doubt for investors".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He made a trip to Austin, Tex., in search of funds for LAB, and he flew to Los Angeles to promote "Doubt" for a few days.

The New York Times - Magazine

The company went further than the fossil fuel companies and conservative groups that merely promoted doubt about the risks of climate change, asserting that rising carbon emissions were beneficial.

The Guardian

The Stanford University study concludes that the language used in the textbooks is likely to promote doubt over the science of climate change and dampen any sense of urgency in dealing with the issue.

The Guardian

Advocates who knowingly distort the science and promote doubt and fear of vaccines do real harm.

Huffington Post

The book lists similar tactics in each case: "discredit the science, disseminate false information, spread confusion, and promote doubt".

Wikipedia

Further, difficulties in ensuring malaria RDT quality promoted doubt as to whether the RDT was sufficiently accurate as a basis for with-holding a potentially life-saving anti-malarial drug.

Plosone

Ayatollah Khamenei said this week that the study of social sciences "promotes doubts and uncertainty".

The New York Times

On August 30th he complained that the study of social science "promotes doubts and uncertainty", telling a meeting of students and teachers that the study of liberal arts and other humanities had led to a "loss of belief in godly and Islamic knowledge".

The Economist

Since then, the judge's confirmation proceedings have been thrown into absolute turmoil, with Democrats attempting to quash an immediate vote that would seat him on the high court by demanding an FBI investigation, and Republicans walking the fine line of showing support for sexual assault survivors while promoting serious doubts about the timing of the allegations.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promoting doubt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the doubt pertains to. Vague usage can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of "promoting doubt". A more measured approach will result in a more plausible and effective argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promoting doubt" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a gerund or participle, often describing an action that instigates or spreads uncertainty. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "promoting doubt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to describe actions that cause or spread uncertainty. While versatile, its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To maximize effectiveness, ensure clarity regarding the subject of the doubt and avoid exaggeration. Remember, Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide you in using this phrase appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generating uncertainty

Highlights the creation of a state of doubt or ambiguity.

fostering skepticism

Emphasizes the cultivation of a questioning attitude rather than directly inducing uncertainty.

instilling skepticism

Focuses on the act of embedding a questioning mindset.

encouraging disbelief

Highlights the active prompting of non-acceptance of something.

fuelling suspicions

Highlights the intensification of distrust or misgivings.

raising questions

Focuses on initiating inquiry without necessarily implying disbelief.

sowing seeds of distrust

Implies a deliberate action to create a lack of trust or confidence.

planting seeds of uncertainty

Suggests a more subtle and gradual introduction of doubt.

spreading apprehension

Emphasizes the dissemination of feelings of anxiety or unease.

casting aspersions

Involves making disparaging or negative remarks that create doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "promoting doubt" to describe actions that cause uncertainty, such as "The company's marketing strategy is "promoting doubt" about the safety of the product".

What's a good alternative to "promoting doubt"?

Alternatives include "fostering skepticism" or "encouraging disbelief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "promote doubt" or "promoting doubt"?

"Promoting doubt" is often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund, while "promote doubt" might appear in imperative or infinitive constructions. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What is the difference between "promoting doubt" and "raising questions"?

"Promoting doubt" suggests an intentional effort to instill uncertainty, while "raising questions" simply indicates initiating inquiry without necessarily implying disbelief.