shroud of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shroud of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a metaphor used to describe uncertainty. For example: With the recent rise in cases of Covid-19, a new shroud of doubt has been thrown over the country's reopening plans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The shroud of doubt around Oyster Creek is nothing new.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beneath the shroud of confusion and doubt, however, one thing was certain: an entire school of kids, armed with their cellphones, would stay up well past bedtime Wednesday night.

The New York Times

Any problems I had with living apart were balanced by the elation of finding a great job and having the shroud of my self-doubt lifted.

Science Magazine

The vehicle disappears into a shroud of dust.

HuffPost

"Though some of the information is shrouded in a certain amount of doubt because of the early date, we think that it meets the criteria," Lortie said.

Los Angeles Times

Tears are shed, but no inkling of doubt or tension is allowed to penetrate the aura of idealistic selflessness that shrouds Suu and Michael.

The New York Times

A moment of doubt.

The New York Times

Climate of Doubt?

The New York Times - Magazine

Merchants of Doubt.

Los Angeles Times

News.com.au described Australia as "pathetic", saying: "Australia's overseas batting capitulation horrors returned – leaving the futures of Shane Watson and Brad Haddin shrouded in doubt".

The Guardian - Sport

Though the exact sequence of events remains shrouded in doubt, it is clear that a gunfight resulted in the death of Aquilo Opua, the leader of Platanares, and a logger called Batista Ezekie.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shroud of doubt" to create a sense of mystery or uncertainty surrounding a situation, decision, or person. It's effective when you want to evoke a feeling of something being hidden or unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "shroud of doubt" in situations where literal coverings are described. This phrase is metaphorical and should be reserved for abstract uncertainties, not physical coverings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shroud of doubt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state of uncertainty or concealment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shroud of doubt" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a situation clouded by uncertainty. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves to evoke a sense of mystery or ambiguity. While its frequency is relatively rare, with only one exact match in the provided examples, its usage spans across various authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives like "veil of uncertainty" and "cloud of suspicion" offer similar connotations. It's best employed in contexts where abstract uncertainties are being discussed, adding depth and imagery to the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veil of uncertainty

Replaces "shroud" with "veil", suggesting a thinner, less dense covering of uncertainty.

shadow of doubt

Employs "shadow" to create a darker, more ominous image of uncertainty.

blanket of uncertainty

Uses "blanket" to suggest a comprehensive and encompassing sense of uncertainty.

cloud of suspicion

Shifts the focus to suspicion rather than doubt, implying a negative connotation.

air of uncertainty

Uses "air" to suggest a pervading atmosphere of doubt.

atmosphere of doubt

Uses "atmosphere" to suggest a pervading environment of doubt.

mantle of doubt

Substitutes "shroud" with "mantle," implying a covering that is worn or assumed.

fog of ambiguity

Replaces "doubt" with "ambiguity", highlighting a lack of clarity rather than a feeling of uncertainty.

under a cloud

A more succinct and idiomatic way of expressing the presence of suspicion or doubt.

question mark hanging over

Uses a direct metaphor of a question mark to indicate uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "shroud of doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "shroud of doubt" to describe situations where uncertainty or lack of clarity obscures understanding. For example: "A "shroud of doubt" hung over the company's future after the CEO's sudden resignation."

What's a good substitute for "shroud of doubt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "veil of uncertainty", "cloud of suspicion", or "air of uncertainty".

Is it appropriate to use "shroud of doubt" in formal writing?

Yes, "shroud of doubt" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to add a touch of figurative language to convey uncertainty or mystery. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your piece.

How does "shroud of doubt" differ from "reasonable doubt"?

"Shroud of doubt" generally refers to a pervasive sense of uncertainty or lack of clarity, while "reasonable doubt" is a legal term specifically used in criminal trials to indicate uncertainty that prevents a guilty verdict. The former is broader and more figurative.