small doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an uncertain feeling about something: "I had a small doubt that I would get the job, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The new star, Ashton Kutcher, signed for only one year, which leaves some small doubt about its future — probably only in terms of whether a financial deal can be made with him.

The New York Times

Dispatches in the New York papers had left small doubt that he had gone off his rocker during the May session of the legislature, and I wanted to see what happens to a state when its chief executive is in that sort of fix.

The New Yorker

Kearney added that there was "some small doubt" regarding Heaslip's chances of playing on Saturday.

BBC

"He then came through kicking at the Aviva Stadium yesterday afternoon very well, so that clarified things for us, but up until then there was some small doubt.

BBC

And, that small doubt is the thing that will never go away, even if you got married to that person you will always wonder wow --man, ifwonder if they would have stuck around.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are small doubts".

Independent

Might that raise a few small doubts about how he will pull all those international aid efforts into line?

The Economist

Coming from a culture with a history of 5,000 years, I have an appropriate Chinese quote: "Deep doubt, deep wisdom; small doubts, small wisdom". Doubt and uncertainty compel us to deeper wisdom and bigger actions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coming from a culture with a history of 5,000 years, I have an appropriate Chinese quote: "Deep doubt, deep wisdom; small doubts, small wisdom".

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet while minds here have been made up for a long time, small doubts have begun to crack the surface of resolve on both sides of the war debate in this city about 300 miles east of Seattle.

The New York Times

There were some small doubts in Madrid too but if before the game, one newspaper claimed that the "Prince of Wales" was seeking his crown, on Wednesday he wore it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small doubt", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of uncertainty you intend to convey. For instance, in formal writing, pairing it with stronger verbs like 'cast' or 'raise' can add emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "small doubt" when describing situations where there is significant uncertainty or conflicting evidence. In such cases, opt for phrases like "considerable doubt" or "serious concerns" to accurately reflect the level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "small doubt" is to act as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It qualifies the noun "doubt" with the adjective "small", indicating the extent or degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small doubt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for conveying a minor degree of uncertainty or reservation. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When using "small doubt", it's important to consider the context to ensure that the level of uncertainty is accurately portrayed and to avoid overstating the doubt. Synonyms like "slight uncertainty" or "minor reservation" can be used for variety, but it is important to maintain accuracy. This phrase strikes a balance between acknowledging uncertainty and maintaining a degree of confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slight uncertainty

Replaces "doubt" with a synonym, emphasizing a minor lack of certainty.

Minor reservation

Focuses on a hesitant feeling or qualification about something.

Faint suspicion

Highlights a weak feeling that something might be wrong or untrue.

Trace of skepticism

Emphasizes a minimal amount of doubt or disbelief.

Little misgiving

Emphasizes a slight feeling of anxiety about the consequences of something.

Some hesitation

Focuses on a pause or reluctance, implying a degree of doubt.

A touch of uncertainty

Uses a metaphor to suggest a small amount of doubt or lack of confidence.

Mild skepticism

Directly describes the doubt as being not strong.

A flicker of doubt

Uses 'flicker' to convey the doubt is minimal and possibly fleeting.

Shadow of a doubt

This phrase has different meaning by adding 'of', it means not being sure at all.

FAQs

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

You can use "small doubt" to express a minor degree of uncertainty about something. For example, "There's a "small doubt" about whether the project will be completed on time."

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

"Small doubt" indicates a minor reservation or uncertainty, while "serious doubt" implies a significant lack of conviction or a strong reason to disbelieve something. The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.

Are there any synonyms for "small doubt" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "slight uncertainty", "minor reservation", or "faint suspicion" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "small doubt"?

Yes, the phrase "small doubt" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a minor degree of uncertainty or reservation.