serious doubts

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious doubts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have strong doubts or reservations about something and want to express that sentiment in a formal or professional context. For example: "The success of the new project is still uncertain, and I have serious doubts about its potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I have serious doubts.

The New York Times - Food

But serious doubts linger.

The New York Times

Engineers also had serious doubts.

The Guardian

Certainly she has serious doubts.

The Guardian - Books

"But I had serious doubts.

The Guardian

I had serious doubts about a sauce.

The New York Times - Food

"I have serious doubts about this belief".

The New York Times

But now serious doubts are emerging.

The Economist

There are serious doubts that will fly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now they had serious doubts.

The New Yorker

The Special Master had serious doubts on that score.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing "serious doubts", be specific about the reasons behind your skepticism. Providing context strengthens your position and allows for constructive discussion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "serious doubts" as absolute facts. Acknowledge the possibility of being wrong by using qualifying language (e.g., 'I have serious doubts, but I'm open to being convinced').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious doubts" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "doubts", intensifying the level of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, underscoring its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious doubts" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that conveys a significant level of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific reasons for your doubts and avoid overstating them as absolute truths. Related phrases include "grave reservations", "considerable skepticism", and "deep misgivings", each offering a slightly different nuance. Understanding the appropriate context and potential errors in usage can ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave reservations

Emphasizes the weighty nature of the doubts.

considerable skepticism

Highlights a general tendency to disbelieve or question something.

deep misgivings

Focuses on a feeling of unease or apprehension about something.

substantial reservations

Indicates significant hesitations or objections.

profound concerns

Stresses the depth and importance of the worries.

marked uncertainty

Highlights the noticeable lack of sureness or confidence.

significant apprehensions

Focuses on anxieties or fears about future events.

real qualms

Emphasizes genuine moral or ethical concerns.

notable hesitations

Highlights a pause or reluctance due to uncertainty.

strong disbelief

Highlights the lack of belief in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious doubts" to express skepticism or uncertainty about something. For example, "I have "serious doubts" about the project's success" or "Serious doubts remain about the effectiveness of the new policy".

What are some alternative phrases for "serious doubts"?

Alternatives include "grave reservations", "considerable skepticism", or "deep misgivings". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to express "serious doubts"?

It is appropriate to express "serious doubts" when you have legitimate reasons to question something, such as a plan, a claim, or a prediction. It's important to be respectful and provide your reasoning.

What's the difference between "serious doubts" and "minor doubts"?

"Serious doubts" indicate a significant level of uncertainty and concern, suggesting that something may be fundamentally flawed or unlikely to succeed. "Minor doubts", on the other hand, imply a less significant level of uncertainty, perhaps only requiring minor adjustments or clarifications.