raises doubts about

USAGE SUMMARY

"raises doubts about" is an idiomatic expression used in written English to express doubt or uncertainty.
For example, "The lack of evidence raises doubts about the accuracy of the claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That raises doubts about its commercial potential.

The New York Times

That raises doubts about Level 3's consistency of purpose.

The Economist

It raises doubts about Mr. Bloomberg's character and judgment.

The New York Times

That raises doubts about the future of bitcoin.

The Guardian - Tech

But it raises doubts about his willingness to take tough, principled decisions if he gets there.

The Economist

The failed deal raises doubts about the government's openness to foreign investment.

The Economist

The confrontation with Arenas raises doubts about his character that might be difficult to overcome.

The New York Times - Sports

But the project's unnerving sketchiness about public funding raises doubts about other aspects.

The Guardian - Arts

The growing popularity of unlicensed accommodation also raises doubts about Ada Colau's initiative in Barcelona.

The Guardian - Business

A new, worrisome survey raises doubts about physicians' willingness to meet their medical and societal responsibilities.

The New York Times

An evaluation of the reform, written for the chancellor but leaked to the press, raises doubts about its "future viability".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raises doubts about", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is causing the uncertainty. For instance, "The conflicting evidence raises doubts about the initial hypothesis."

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the phrase is specific. Saying "This raises doubts about the project" is less effective than "The project's budget overruns raises doubts about its feasibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raises doubts about" functions as a verb phrase that introduces uncertainty or skepticism. It indicates that something has caused a questioning attitude or lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, as demonstrated in numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raises doubts about" is a versatile and frequently used phrase in English that serves to introduce an element of uncertainty or skepticism. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While the phrase is neutral in register, it's essential to ensure that the subject is specific and clearly indicates what is causing the uncertainty. By considering alternative phrases and avoiding vague subjects, writers can effectively communicate their reservations and prompt further scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calls into question

Emphasizes a formal challenge or re-evaluation of something previously accepted.

provokes questions about

Stresses the act of causing inquiries or uncertainties to arise.

fosters uncertainty about

Focuses on the creation of a general lack of clarity or confidence.

creates uncertainty regarding

Focuses on producing a state of being unsure or undecided.

casts suspicion on

Focus shifts to creating a sense of distrust or questioning integrity.

suggests reservations about

Softens the expression of doubt by framing it as hesitations or concerns.

prompts skepticism regarding

Highlights the generation of a questioning attitude, often in a more academic context.

engenders skepticism toward

Focuses on the generation of a critical or questioning attitude.

generates misgivings concerning

Highlights the creation of feelings of apprehension or unease.

instills doubt in

Suggests a more direct and intentional placement of doubt within someone's mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "raises doubts about" to express uncertainty or skepticism regarding a particular situation, claim, or idea. For example, "The inconsistencies in his testimony raises doubts about his alibi."

What are some alternatives to "raises doubts about"?

Alternatives to "raises doubts about" include phrases such as "casts suspicion on", "calls into question", or "prompts skepticism regarding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "raises doubts about"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "fosters uncertainty about" or "engenders skepticism toward", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "raises doubts about" and "raises questions about"?

"Raises doubts about" implies a stronger sense of uncertainty or disbelief, while "raises questions about" simply suggests that further inquiry is needed. "Raises questions about" is a more neutral expression, indicating a need for clarification or further investigation.