seriously doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seriously doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong skepticism or disbelief about something. Example: "I seriously doubt that he will finish the project on time given his track record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I seriously doubt it.

The New York Times

Few Americans could seriously doubt it.

The New York Times

NICHOLAS SCHMIDLE: I would seriously doubt it.

The New Yorker

I seriously doubt he even imagines what losing feels like".

The New Yorker

I seriously doubt that Dostoyevsky ever finished it.

The New York Times - Books

I seriously doubt whether it will ever be debated either.

Independent

I seriously doubt it will ever happen again.

The New Yorker

"I seriously doubt it's the only player," he said.

The New York Times

I seriously doubt that you will see Tommy Hilfiger".

The New York Times

However, their English language skills I seriously doubt.

The Guardian

Somehow, though, I seriously doubt this was their intent.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seriously doubt", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are questioning to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I seriously doubt that the project will be completed on time."

Common error

While "seriously doubt" is widely accepted, be mindful of using it too frequently in casual conversations, as it can come across as overly negative or confrontational. Opt for milder expressions of doubt in informal settings to maintain a more affable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously doubt" functions as a hedging device, used to express a speaker's or writer's strong skepticism or disbelief regarding a statement or situation. The use of "seriously" intensifies the verb, underlining the degree of doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seriously doubt" is a commonly used expression for conveying a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, primarily within News & Media. When using "seriously doubt", it's important to consider the impact of its directness, as it is stronger than simply "I doubt it". Alternatives such as "highly question" or "am skeptical of" may be preferable in certain situations, though with subtly different semantic nuances. Ultimately, "seriously doubt" serves as a powerful tool for effectively expressing one's lack of conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly question

Expresses significant doubt, but with a slightly more formal tone.

strongly question

Indicates a considerable level of disbelief or skepticism.

find hard to believe

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

am skeptical of

Indicates a questioning attitude, often based on prior experience.

have serious reservations about

Indicates significant concerns and doubts about something.

am unconvinced that

Highlights a lack of persuasion or belief in a particular statement or idea.

remain dubious about

Suggests a persistent state of doubt or uncertainty.

have considerable doubts about

Emphasizes the substantial nature of one's doubts.

tend to disbelieve

Indicates a predisposition towards not believing something.

take with a grain of salt

Suggests caution and skepticism when considering information.

FAQs

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

You can use "seriously doubt" to express a strong feeling of disbelief or skepticism. For example, "I "seriously doubt" that the company will meet its projected earnings this quarter."

What can I say instead of "seriously doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "highly question", "strongly question", or "am skeptical of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "seriously doubt"?

It's appropriate to use "seriously doubt" when you want to convey a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism about a particular claim or situation. However, consider the tone and context, as it can come across as quite strong.

Is there a difference between "doubt" and "seriously doubt"?

Yes, "seriously doubt" implies a stronger level of disbelief than simply saying "doubt". It indicates that you have significant reasons to question the validity or likelihood of something.