raising doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raising doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to a person or situation that creates an atmosphere of uncertainty. For example, "The conflicting reports of the incident are raising doubts about what really happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He played just 12 minutes, raising doubts about his availability.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it may be unfairly raising doubts about other firms.

The New York Times

But Siemens also has insisted on fulfilling existing contracts, raising doubts about its sincerity.

The New York Times

But Britain has long opposed carbon taxes, raising doubts over whether the tax could win approval.

The New York Times

But even at the Vancouver Olympics, Bettman was raising doubts about future participation.

The New York Times - Sports

Even newspapers which have supported the nuclear industry are raising doubts.

The Guardian

The Fordham Foundation collection accuses other lesson plans of unfairly raising doubts about the United States.

The New York Times

But as the time approached for Hassan to leave home, his mother began raising doubts.

The Guardian - Books

But the survey has been disputed, with a number of Silicon Valley voices raising doubts about the survey's methodology.

The New York Times

Fighting in south-eastern Ukraine intensified in the run-up to the meeting, raising doubts about the deal.

The Economist

He vetoed debatable electricity legislation, instead of just raising doubts about the diminished regulatory oversight it would bring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the impact of "raising doubts". In some contexts, it may be more appropriate to use a milder expression like "raising questions".

Common error

Avoid using "raising doubts" without specifying the subject of the doubts. For example, instead of saying "The report is raising doubts", specify "The report is raising doubts about the project's feasibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raising doubts" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence structure. It indicates the action of instilling or expressing uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66.67%

Science

18.33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3.33%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raising doubts" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and the phrase appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using "raising doubts", clarity is key; clearly specifying the subject of the doubts will help strengthen communication and prevent vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "prompting questions" or "generating concerns" may be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating uncertainty

Highlights the act of generating an environment or situation where things are not definite or reliable.

calling into question

Puts something up for debate or scrutiny, suggesting a more formal or explicit challenge to its validity or reliability.

expressing reservations

Refers to openly stating concerns or doubts, which emphasizes the act of voicing uncertainty more directly.

instilling misgivings

Focuses on the action of causing a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

prompting questions

Emphasizes the act of causing inquiries or inviting further investigation, slightly shifting the focus from uncertainty to the need for answers.

generating concerns

Stresses the creation of worries or apprehensions, highlighting potential negative outcomes or risks.

inspiring uncertainty

Highlights the creation of a feeling of not being sure, moving away from the active voicing of reservations.

arousing suspicion

Implies a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest, which may be a stronger emotional response compared to simply "raising doubts".

fostering skepticism

Focuses on the act of creating a general sense of disbelief or questioning, rather than specific instances of uncertainty.

casting aspersions

This phrase suggests a more direct and often negative implication of questioning someone's character or reputation, adding a layer of negativity not always present in the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "raising doubts" in a sentence?

To effectively use "raising doubts", ensure you clearly state what the doubts pertain to. For example, "The lack of evidence is "raising doubts" about the suspect's alibi" provides context.

What are some alternatives to "raising doubts" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prompting questions", "generating concerns", or "calling into question" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to say "raising doubts" or "raising questions"?

The choice between "raising doubts" and "raising questions" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Raising doubts" implies uncertainty or skepticism, while "raising questions" simply suggests the need for further inquiry. For example: The document it's "raising questions" but it's not "raising doubts" about his innocence.

What's the difference between "raising doubts" and "casting aspersions"?

"Raising doubts" typically refers to expressing uncertainty or questioning something's validity. "Casting aspersions", on the other hand, involves making disparaging or defamatory remarks, implying a more negative and potentially damaging intent.