sowing doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"sowing doubt" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used to describe an action that is causing someone to feel suspicious or uncertain. For example, "The politician was accused of sowing doubt in the public's mind about the opposition's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Sowing Doubt For skeptics, keeping the debate alive is exactly the point.

The Guardian

His key argument focuses on sowing doubt about the accuracy of climate models.

The Guardian

The policy appears to treat missile defenses as another way of sowing doubt in the minds of a potential enemy.

The New York Times

The movement of 9/11 sceptics has had an astonishing success in sowing doubt across the US.

The Guardian

Week in Review, Page 9 NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF The campaign to "otherize" Barack Obama by painting him as a Muslim is succeeding in sowing doubt among voters.

The New York Times

I didn't realise it at the time, but a systematic campaign of corporate-sponsored disinformation was at work sowing doubt in the collective American mind.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Radio broadcasts in Arabic beamed into Iraq are sowing doubts about Mr. Hussein's survival.

The New York Times

Incidents like the loss of the data discs may be sowing doubts, but those doubts are not yet widespread.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means doing the time-consuming work of forensic scrutiny and sowing doubts through hard-hitting critique.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama has briefly tried out his Spanish, while a Clinton advertisement flatters Texans' spirit of practicality as a means of sowing doubts about Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

He actually manages a twofer, sowing doubts about Senator Obama and knocking unions at the same time, all under the guise of concern for education.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sowing doubt" when you want to emphasize a deliberate action aimed at creating uncertainty or skepticism in a specific context, such as politics or science.

Common error

Avoid using "sowing doubt" when merely posing questions or seeking clarification. This phrase implies a more intentional and often manipulative effort to undermine belief, not simply to inquire or understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sowing doubt" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of creating or spreading uncertainty. It is often used to depict a deliberate effort to undermine confidence or belief, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Opinion

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Sport

3%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sowing doubt" is a verbal phrase that describes the action of creating or spreading uncertainty. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. It often implies a deliberate effort to undermine confidence or belief, making it suitable for describing situations where manipulation or misinformation is suspected. While often negative, the act of "sowing doubt" can also be used to promote critical thinking. Consider alternatives like "casting doubt" or "raising questions" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casting doubt

Focuses on the act of presenting information that makes something uncertain.

raising questions

Highlights the act of bringing up inquiries that challenge existing beliefs.

instilling skepticism

Emphasizes the process of creating a questioning attitude.

planting seeds of doubt

Uses a more metaphorical approach, similar to the original phrase but more vivid.

fostering uncertainty

Focuses on the creation and nurturing of a lack of certainty.

generating disbelief

Emphasizes the creation of a state where people do not accept something as true.

spreading suspicion

Highlights the distribution of feelings of mistrust.

creating apprehension

Focuses on causing feelings of anxiety or fear about something.

inspiring mistrust

Emphasizes the act of making people lose confidence or trust.

undermining confidence

Focuses on weakening someone's assurance or belief in something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sowing doubt" in a sentence?

Use "sowing doubt" to describe a situation where someone is actively trying to create uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "The politician was accused of "sowing doubt" about the validity of the election results."

What are some alternatives to "sowing doubt"?

You can use alternatives such as "casting doubt", "raising questions", or "instilling skepticism" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each phrase highlights a different aspect of creating uncertainty.

What is the difference between "sowing doubt" and "raising concerns"?

"Sowing doubt" suggests a deliberate attempt to create uncertainty or disbelief, often with a specific agenda. "Raising concerns", on the other hand, simply means expressing worries or issues that need attention without necessarily trying to undermine confidence.

Is "sowing doubt" always negative?

While often used in negative contexts to describe manipulation or misinformation, "sowing doubt" can sometimes be neutral or even positive. For example, "sowing doubt" in one's own assumptions can lead to critical thinking and better decision-making.