raise doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise doubts" is correct and Usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing a feeling of skepticism or uncertainty about something. For example: Her lack of experience in this field raises doubts about her qualifications for the job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, these skeptics pounce on every discrepancy to raise doubts.

Yale University

"If democracy deadlocks here, we raise doubts about democracy everywhere".

The New York Times

Yet Rosenberg's own accounts raise doubts as well.

The New York Times - Books

Further resignations could raise doubts about Mr Abe's own future.

Independent

The energy disputes will raise doubts about Gazprom's reliability.

The Guardian

But defense lawyers are paid to raise doubts.

The New York Times

However, high capital investment required and the abundant energy consumed by this process raise doubts about its cost-effectiveness.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

The high-risk pools proposed by Mr McCain also raise doubts.

The Economist

What seemed absolute in direct testimony can raise doubts under cross-examination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That, in turn, will raise doubts about both central bankers' capabilities and their policies.

The Economist

Second, use Mr. Giuliani's positions to raise doubts about Mr. Perry's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise doubts" when you want to express a degree of skepticism or uncertainty without necessarily making a definitive statement. It's suitable for scenarios where you want to highlight potential issues or inconsistencies.

Common error

While "raise doubts" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your arguments sound less confident. Consider stronger verbs or more direct expressions of disagreement when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise doubts" functions as a verb phrase. It typically indicates the action of causing or expressing uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular subject or claim. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise doubts" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase for expressing skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academic writing. Alternative phrases like "call into question" or "cast suspicion" can offer nuanced expressions of similar sentiments. When using "raise doubts", consider the level of formality required and avoid overusing it to maintain a confident tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call into question

Formally challenges the validity or truth of something.

cast suspicion

Emphasizes a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest.

arouse suspicion

Similar to 'cast suspicion', but suggests a more active creation of doubt.

generate skepticism

Focuses on producing a general feeling of disbelief or uncertainty.

prompt skepticism

Suggests an action that leads to a skeptical response.

create uncertainty

Highlights the production of a state of being unsure or doubtful.

engender disbelief

Emphasizes the creation of a feeling that something is not true or cannot be believed.

foster uncertainty

Indicates nurturing or encouraging a state of doubt.

spark concern

Indicates the beginning of worry or unease.

instill apprehension

Highlights the act of causing someone to become worried or anxious.

FAQs

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

You can use "raise doubts" to express uncertainty or skepticism about something. For instance, "The inconsistencies in his story "raise doubts" about his innocence."

What are some alternatives to "raise doubts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "call into question", "cast suspicion", or "arouse suspicion".

Is it better to say "raise doubts" or "create doubts"?

"Raise doubts" is generally preferred as it implies bringing existing uncertainties to the surface, while "create doubts" suggests introducing new uncertainties. The best choice depends on whether the doubts were pre-existing or newly formed.

What's the difference between "raise doubts" and "express reservations"?

"Raise doubts" implies a degree of skepticism or uncertainty, whereas "express reservations" suggests a more cautious or hesitant agreement. "Express reservations" conveys a milder form of disagreement or concern.