remove doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remove doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify something or eliminate uncertainty regarding a situation or statement. Example: "To remove doubt about the project's timeline, we will provide regular updates to all stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

These guidelines, long sought by Ireland's maternity hospitals, "would remove doubt and fear from the doctor and also reassure the public," he said.

The New York Times

As if nervous of the country's reputation, Azeri TV took the unusual step of showing the external scrutineers from Eurovision, present to remove doubt about the counting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Zoepf cites several theories: the changing nature of warfare; fears of getting it wrong; the exhaustive nature of the review process which, while intended to remove doubt, in some cases seems to inject it almost gratuitously.

The New Yorker

The jury made a series of nine recommendations, the central one of which was a call for clarity on when doctors can intervene to save the life of an expectant mother "to remove doubt and fear from the doctor and reassure the public".

Independent

The high pass rate under the exams did not satisfy analysts' hopes for a bolder accounting that would help restore confidence in the health of the European Union financial system and remove doubt about the effects of a default by Greece on its government debt.

The New York Times

"We wish to remove doubt and uncertainty immediately and we will find other ways to balance the budget".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

No one expects companies like Gap, Dell or Armani to disclose proprietary sales data — but more transparency in reporting contributions could help remove doubts.

The New York Times

"This is a step in the right direction because it will help remove doubts Pakistan had about the pro-India orientation of the Afghan forces".

The Guardian

But there still seems to be deep division among European leaders, as well as the big thinkers from economics and academia, about what policies would remove doubts about the euro's future.

The New York Times

That sum is at the low end of analysts' estimates and is well below what many analysts consider adequate to remove doubts about the creditworthiness of European banks and to restore their access to international money markets.

The New York Times

The Trost brothers found depicting the deaths as ambiguous funnier and believed it would remove doubts about the film being a comedy.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remove doubt", consider the specific source of the doubt and address it directly with clear and factual information.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "remove doubt" too frequently in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "clear things up" or "make sure you understand" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remove doubt" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English and serves to clarify information or dispel uncertainty, as illustrated in the provided examples. The phrase usually takes a direct object representing what the doubt pertains to.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remove doubt" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the action of clarifying or dispelling uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's more commonly encountered in news and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Consider using related phrases like "eliminate uncertainty" or "dispel doubts" for nuanced expression. When employing "remove doubt", focus on clearly addressing the specific source of uncertainty with factual information to achieve effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminate uncertainty

Focuses on the removal of uncertainty rather than the specific concept of doubt.

dispel doubts

Uses a more figurative verb, "dispel", to suggest scattering or driving away doubts.

resolve uncertainty

Emphasizes the resolution of the uncertain situation, rather than the removal of doubt itself.

clarify ambiguities

Targets ambiguities as the source of doubt, suggesting a need for clearer explanations.

assuage concerns

Shifts the focus to easing worries or anxieties that stem from doubt.

quell apprehension

Addresses the feeling of unease or fear caused by doubts, aiming to calm such feelings.

allay suspicions

Specifically targets suspicions, implying a need to reduce mistrust or skepticism.

set minds at ease

Aims to provide a sense of comfort and security by eliminating doubt and worry.

instill confidence

Focuses on building assurance and trust, which indirectly counters doubt.

reassure individuals

Highlights the act of giving comfort and confidence to people who are experiencing doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "remove doubt" to indicate clarifying information or dispelling uncertainty. For example, "The study aims to "remove doubt" about the effectiveness of the treatment."

What are some alternatives to saying "remove doubt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "eliminate uncertainty", "dispel doubts", or "resolve uncertainty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remove doubt" or "eliminate doubt"?

Both "remove doubt" and "eliminate doubt" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Eliminate doubt" might sound slightly more forceful.

How does "remove doubt" differ from "casting doubt"?

"Remove doubt" implies clarifying or dispelling uncertainty, while "casting doubt" suggests introducing or increasing uncertainty about something. They are opposite in meaning.