serious doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "There is serious doubt regarding the accuracy of the data presented in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A serious doubt now.

Independent

That must now be in serious doubt.

The Economist

Now that goal is in serious doubt.

The New York Times

There never was any serious doubt.

The Guardian

"There can be no serious doubt that it does".

The New York Times

That cast serious doubt on the map's authenticity.

The Economist

Now Tatis's baseball future is in serious doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

Our evidence casts these claims into serious doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

The future of Kirti monastery is now in serious doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

So far, that is not in serious doubt.

The Guardian - Money

The result casts serious doubt over England's World Cup chances.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious doubt" to convey a significant level of uncertainty, reserving stronger terms like "absolute disbelief" for situations where certainty of falsehood exists.

Common error

Avoid using "serious doubt" when a weaker expression of uncertainty is more appropriate. Overstating the level of doubt can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious doubt" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "doubt". It's used to express a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism about something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious doubt" is a commonly used phrase to express a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, reflecting its neutral register. When using "serious doubt", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations and consider alternative phrases like "significant uncertainty" or "grave reservations" for nuanced expression. While "serious doubt" is appropriate in a wide variety of contexts, it is important not to overstate the degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant uncertainty

Replaces "serious doubt" with synonyms for both "serious" and "doubt".

profound uncertainty

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the uncertainty.

noticeable uncertainty

Similar to "marked skepticism", emphasizing the noticeable nature of the uncertainty.

grave reservations

Substitutes "doubt" with a stronger term implying deeper concerns.

considerable skepticism

Emphasizes the skeptical aspect of the doubt.

substantial reservations

Highlights the significance of the reservations.

marked skepticism

Similar to "considerable skepticism", emphasizing the noticeable nature of the skepticism.

genuine misgivings

Highlights the sincerity and unease associated with the doubt.

deep apprehension

Focuses on the anxiety and worry stemming from the doubt.

real qualms

Uses a more informal term for doubts or worries.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious doubt" to express a significant level of uncertainty about something. For example, "There is "serious doubt" regarding the accuracy of the report" or "The evidence casts "serious doubt" on his claims".

What phrases can I use instead of "serious doubt"?

Alternatives to "serious doubt" include "significant uncertainty", "grave doubt", or "considerable skepticism". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "serious doubt" or "honest doubt"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, ""serious doubt"" implies a significant level of uncertainty based on evidence or reasoning. "honest doubt" suggests a sincere or genuine uncertainty, often stemming from personal beliefs or values. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "serious doubt" and "serious concern"?

"Serious doubt" indicates uncertainty or skepticism about the truth or validity of something. "Serious concern" expresses worry or anxiety about a potential negative outcome. While related, they focus on different aspects: doubt questions validity, while concern expresses worry.