raise a doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise a doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, you can use it when you want to describe someone expressing a feeling of uncertainty over something. For example: "After hearing the news, she raised a doubt about the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And did anyone on his staff raise a doubt?

The New York Times - Style

"If there is anything in these reports that could raise a doubt, Uefa may then charge a disciplinary inspector to investigate the matter.

Independent

The defendants disclaim any intention to interfere with the sale of the godds in the original packages by the consignee, and if the record is thought to raise a doubt with regard to that it may be met by a modification of the decree so as to leave it without prejudice in case prosecutions should be threatened or attempted for such sales.

Cornell University

This behavior may raise a doubt whether these patients would have benefited from more volume loading.

Annals of Intensive Care

Thus, it may seem, a modest transcendental claim is all that we require, to the effect that the skeptic cannot raise a doubt to challenge us here, given what she must believe in order for her to think or utter anything intelligible at all.

SEP

Flint said that applying the art and science of what they do, they decided they needed to raise a doubt about something --....raising andoubt and projecting a doubt forward - that you have to get people to believe may happen but it hasn't happened yet.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And one thing this haywire show raised a doubt about was Mr. Posen's attention span.

The New York Times

That "I think" raises a doubt and a question: what is the death of the body to the life of the mind?

The Guardian

It raises a doubt – present elsewhere – about where we stand in relation to our lives and about how "real" our reality is.

The Guardian - Books

The injury also raises a doubt over Horne's availability for the Tri-Nations series later in the autumn, when he would have been a certain inclusion in Britain's squad.

The Guardian - Sport

Jan Lambregts, global head of financial markets research at Rabobank International, told its Singapore clients that, despite the importance of Indian and Chinese demand, historically high crude oil inventory levels raised a doubt over the further upward potential for prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise a doubt", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being questioned. Providing specific reasons for the doubt strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "raise a doubt" when you intend to express complete certainty. This phrase indicates uncertainty, not a definitive conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise a doubt" functions as a verbial phrase, typically used to introduce an element of uncertainty or question the validity of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing skepticism or prompting further investigation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise a doubt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses uncertainty or prompts questioning of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is a valuable expression for introducing skepticism or encouraging further scrutiny. Remember to use it when you genuinely want to express uncertainty, not a definitive conclusion, and ensure the context clarifies what is being questioned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce uncertainty

Similar to "raise a doubt" but focuses on the action of making something uncertain rather than just expressing a feeling of doubt.

arouse suspicion

Emphasizes the creation of a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest, moving beyond simple doubt to a stronger sense of distrust.

cast suspicion

Implies creating a sense of distrust or uncertainty about something, shifting the focus from merely expressing doubt to actively making something seem questionable.

prompt skepticism

Highlights the act of causing a skeptical reaction, putting emphasis on the induced attitude of disbelief or questioning.

instill uncertainty

Focuses on creating a feeling of doubt or lack of confidence, differing by emphasizing the emotional impact rather than the expression of doubt itself.

generate disbelief

Emphasizes producing a feeling or state of not believing something, changing the perspective to the creation of disbelief.

foster incredulity

Suggests nurturing a state of disbelief or astonishment, adding a sense of development or growth to the feeling.

trigger misgivings

Highlights the act of causing feelings of doubt or apprehension, emphasizing the emotional response.

spark apprehension

Highlights the act of igniting a feeling of anxiety or fear about possible future events, focusing on the emotional outcome rather than the doubt itself.

pose a question

Focuses on raising an inquiry or issue, differing by emphasizing the formal introduction of a topic for discussion or consideration, rather than simply expressing doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "raise a doubt" to express uncertainty about something. For example, "The new evidence raised a doubt about the defendant's guilt."

What's a more formal way to say "raise a doubt"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "introduce uncertainty" or "prompt skepticism".

Is it correct to say "raised a doubt" or "rose a doubt"?

The correct past tense form is "raised a doubt". "Rose a doubt" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "raise a doubt" and "cast suspicion"?

"Raise a doubt" generally means expressing uncertainty, while "cast suspicion" implies creating a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest. The latter is a stronger statement.