raise doubts about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise doubts about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to express the idea of having uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example, "Many economists raise doubts about the effectiveness of the new government policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

Independent

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

The Guardian

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

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

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

Serious inconsistencies in voting or tabulation could spark violence and raise doubts about the government's legitimacy.

The Economist

His mental health history could be used to raise doubts about the reliability of his confession.

The New York Times

But any bank that raises the rates it submits could raise doubts about its own creditworthiness.

The New York Times

He was the first Senate Republican to raise doubts about George Bush's tax cuts.

The Economist

Legal inconsistencies and analytical limitations raise doubts about the possible enforcement of nanomaterial regulations.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise doubts about", ensure that you provide specific reasons or evidence to support your skepticism. This strengthens your argument and makes your doubts more credible.

Common error

Avoid using "raise doubts about" as a blanket statement. Instead, provide concrete examples or logical reasoning to back up your skepticism. Vague assertions can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise doubts about" functions as a verb phrase used to express skepticism or uncertainty regarding a specific subject. It often introduces a questioning perspective on an assertion, claim, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a standard and acceptable English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise doubts about" is a versatile phrase used to express skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, providing specific reasons for your doubts strengthens your argument. While alternatives such as "call into question" and "express skepticism regarding" exist, "raise doubts about" remains a clear and effective way to express reservations. This phrase is valuable for critical thinking and balanced reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call into question

Highlights the act of formally challenging or disputing something.

prompt questions about

Highlights the act of instigating inquiry due to uncertainty.

cast suspicion on

Focuses more on creating distrust or questioning integrity.

inspire reservations about

Highlights causing feelings of doubt or unease.

generate uncertainty around

Emphasizes creating a general sense of doubt.

express skepticism regarding

More formal and emphasizes a questioning attitude.

undermine confidence in

Stresses the weakening of trust or assurance.

foster disbelief in

Implies encouraging a lack of faith or conviction.

create misgivings concerning

More formal, focusing on generating feelings of apprehension or uncertainty.

pose a challenge to

Shifts focus to directly opposing or questioning something.

FAQs

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

You can use "raise doubts about" to express uncertainty or skepticism regarding a claim, statement, or situation. For example, "The company's financial reports "raise doubts about" its long-term viability."

What can I say instead of "raise doubts about"?

You can use alternatives like "call into question", "cast suspicion on", or "express skepticism regarding" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "raise doubts about" or "cast doubt on"?

Both ""raise doubts about"" and "cast doubt on" are acceptable, but "cast doubt on" might be more direct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "raise doubts about" and "create uncertainty about"?

"Raise doubts about" implies a more specific questioning of something, while "create uncertainty about" suggests a broader sense of ambiguity or lack of clarity. For example, "New evidence "raises doubts about" the original findings," versus "The lack of information "creates uncertainty about" the project's future."