started to doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a gradual shift in belief or confidence about something or someone. Example: "After hearing the conflicting reports, she started to doubt the accuracy of the information provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He started to doubt himself.

The New York Times

I started to doubt a little bit.

The Guardian - Film

The authorities, meanwhile, had started to doubt Bourdin's story.

The New Yorker

As a teenager I started to doubt this theological story.

The New York Times

I started to doubt what I'd written in those articles.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They started to doubt the rationale of our system.

The New York Times

Investors started to doubt the sustainability of the rebound and commodities naturally took the hit.

The New York Times

Had he started to doubt that it would ever happen for him?

Independent

"We started to doubt ourselves and think that we couldn't get it done," Guard Young said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Last season was a bad time and I started to doubt myself," said Gooch.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if he had started to doubt himself, he quickly added, "No, I don't".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to doubt" to express a gradual shift in your confidence or belief regarding a specific person, idea, or situation. This subtly conveys a process of reevaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "started to doubt" in vague scenarios. Always specify what exactly you began to doubt and why. Lack of context weakens the impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to doubt" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of uncertainty or skepticism. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, reflecting its ability to convey a gradual shift in belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to doubt" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the beginning of uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news articles to personal narratives. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, serving to communicate a shift in belief or confidence. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "began to question" or "became uncertain" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to question

Emphasizes the initiation of questioning something previously accepted.

began to suspect

Focuses on the development of suspicion towards something.

became uncertain

Highlights the transition to a state of uncertainty.

started to distrust

Indicates the beginning of a lack of trust.

lost faith in

Indicates a decline in belief or confidence.

grew skeptical of

Stresses the increasing skepticism towards something.

grew dubious of

Highlights an increase in dubiousness or uncertainty.

began to waver

Suggests a weakening of conviction or belief.

developed misgivings about

Focuses on the emergence of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

commenced to disbelieve

Suggests a formal or emphatic beginning of disbelief.

FAQs

What does "started to doubt" mean?

The phrase "started to doubt" indicates the beginning of a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence in something or someone. It suggests a shift from belief to skepticism.

How can I use "started to doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "started to doubt" to describe a change in your opinion or feelings. For example: "After the inconsistencies emerged, I "started to doubt" his story."

What can I say instead of "started to doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "began to question", "became uncertain", or "lost faith in" depending on the context.

Is "started to doubt" formal or informal?

"Started to doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to fit various types of writing and conversation.