resolve doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"resolve doubt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to find a solution or answer to a doubt or uncertainty. Example: The detective's thorough investigation helped to resolve any doubts about the suspect's alibi.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Consider for instance the following case in which the patently transmissive argument in Toadstool (presented in Sect. 1) does not resolve doubt about its conclusion.

SEP

Along with Mendelssohn, Lessing embraced the idea of a purely rational religion and would endorse Mendelssohn's declaration: "My religion recognizes no obligation to resolve doubt other than through rational means; and it commands no mere faith in eternal truths" (Gesammelte Schriften, Volume 3/2, p. 205).

SEP

The notice "asks" the voter to affirm citizenship on an enclosed form to "resolve doubt about your registration".

Huffington Post

Empower rating specialists to make common sense overrides, and fully implement and train them about the reasonable doubt doctrine, which requires that when the evidence for and against the claim are equally compelling, VA must resolve doubt in favor of the claimant.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it won't resolve doubts about possible future real-estate losses in Spain.

The New York Times

His first hundred days have done little to resolve doubts about Bush's capacity for leadership.

The New Yorker

The Travis County district attorney, Rosemary Lehmberg, said she was confident that her office would resolve doubts about the evidence.

The New York Times

That recognition has sometimes prompted us to resolve doubts about the meaning of state law by certifying issues to a state's highest court, even when federal rights are at stake.

The New York Times

One way to resolve doubts about the meaning of an ambiguous constitutional clause is to read it in the context of other provisions in the Constitution — most notably, the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

The New York Times

Two Democratic senators today called on Gov. George W. Bush to release his full military record to resolve doubts raised by a newspaper about whether he reported for required drills when he was in the Air National Guard in 1972 and 1973.

The New York Times

It also eliminated a ban on the reclassification of documents and information already released; reversed a Carter provision that forbade the classification of a document after a request for it had been made; reversed a willingness to resolve doubts in favor of declassification; and curtailed declassification-review practices in the National Archives and other executive agencies and departments.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resolve doubt" to imply a deliberate effort to address and eliminate uncertainty or skepticism. The action of resolving should be active and intentional.

Common error

Be cautious when using "resolve doubt". The phrase doesn't always guarantee complete certainty, but rather indicates a reduction in uncertainty. Ensure the remaining level of uncertainty is acceptable for the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve doubt" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of clarifying or clearing up uncertainty, often implying a deliberate effort to address and answer a question or concern. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resolve doubt" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of reducing or eliminating uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in various contexts, including science and news media. Semantically related alternatives include "eliminate uncertainty" and "clarify ambiguity". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what doubt is being addressed and that the resolution is active and intentional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminate uncertainty

Focuses on completely removing the element of uncertainty, which is a strong synonym.

clarify ambiguity

Emphasizes making something unclear, clear.

dispel misgivings

Highlights the removal of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

settle uncertainties

Suggests a final and definitive resolution of unclear matters.

address skepticism

Directly confronts and tries to overcome a doubting attitude.

allay fears

Focuses on reducing anxiety and apprehension associated with doubts.

clear up confusion

Deals with removing a state of being bewildered or unclear.

assuage concerns

Emphasizes easing or lessening worries related to doubts.

confirm suspicions

Verifies previously held doubts.

prove beyond question

Indicates demonstrating something so conclusively that no doubt remains.

FAQs

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

You can use "resolve doubt" to indicate clearing uncertainty on a specific issue. For example, "The new evidence helped to resolve doubt about the defendant's innocence".

What is a good alternative to "resolve doubt"?

Alternatives to "resolve doubt" include "eliminate uncertainty", "clarify ambiguity", or "dispel misgivings", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "resolve doubt" or "eliminate doubt"?

"Resolve doubt" suggests addressing and reducing uncertainty, while "eliminate doubt" implies completely removing it. The best choice depends on whether the goal is to lessen or completely erase the doubt.

What does it mean to "resolve doubt" in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "resolve doubt" often refers to addressing uncertainties in evidence or testimony. It can involve gathering additional information or clarifying existing points to reach a more definitive conclusion.