state of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation where someone is uncertain or unsure about something. Example: "After hearing the conflicting reports, I found myself in a state of doubt regarding the project's outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Britannica

The New York Times

BBC

Huffington Post

Wikipedia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Believers sometimes deny God while not being at all in a state of doubt that God exists.

Britannica

The more I thought about it the more it meshed with the French administrative process: opaque and complex, leaving you in a permanent state of doubt.

The New York Times

Hovering in a twittery state of doubt may be part of the modern condition, but overlooking or abandoning even the most fleeting beauty is an especially pernicious modern crime.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe St. Augustine is paying attention, or maybe, as Hynes sings on "Thank You," the promise of faith will allow us to break from "the higher state of doubt".

The New Yorker

I like being in a state of doubt.

BBC

Image caption Philip Pullman: "I like being in a state of doubt" It's a mysterious process.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In recent works I have borrowed Keats's term to investigate how states of doubt or uncertainty (in science as well as the arts) can be desirable or even necessary.

The Guardian - Arts

Neither are they memories or states of doubt.

SEP

Here Jean Louise, no longer going by Scout, is in a state of extreme doubt about the noble ideas the first book seemed to espouse.

The Guardian - Books

In his foreword, Bukatman regrets the way subsequent versions of the film (1992, 2007) have reduced the ambiguity as to whether Rick Deckard (or is it René Descartes?) is a human or a replicant: "the state of radical doubt is central".

The Guardian - Books

Without attempting to overdo the drama of the difficulty of writing, to be in the middle of composing a book is almost always to feel oneself in a state of confusion, doubt and mental imprisonment, with an accompanying intense wish that one worked instead at bricklaying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of doubt" to describe a period of uncertainty or wavering belief. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the doubt pertains to for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "state of doubt" when the situation involves outright disbelief or rejection. Doubt implies uncertainty, while disbelief suggests a firm conviction that something is untrue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of doubt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a condition or situation characterized by uncertainty or a lack of conviction. Ludwig shows it often appears after prepositions like "in" or "of", modifying verbs or nouns to indicate the presence or experience of doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of doubt" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a condition of uncertainty. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the term is only used with an uncommon frequency. It appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral register. When employing the phrase, ensure the surrounding text clearly defines what the doubt refers to. Consider alternatives like ""condition of uncertainty"" or ""period of skepticism"" if a different nuance is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condition of uncertainty

Focuses on the general lack of certainty.

period of skepticism

Emphasizes a questioning or disbelieving mindset.

moment of uncertainty

Highlights a specific instance of being unsure.

atmosphere of distrust

Shifts the focus to a broader sense of lacking trust.

climate of disbelief

Suggests a pervasive lack of belief within a larger context.

feeling of ambivalence

Highlights mixed or contradictory feelings.

sense of insecurity

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being unsure and potentially unsafe.

realm of speculation

Indicates a situation where conclusions are based on guesswork rather than solid evidence.

quandary of indecision

Focuses on the difficult position of being unable to decide.

environment of ambiguity

Emphasizes the vagueness and lack of clarity in a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "state of doubt" to describe a situation where someone is uncertain or unsure about something. For example, "After the conflicting reports, he was in a "state of doubt" regarding the project's outcome."

What phrases are similar to "state of doubt"?

Alternatives to "state of doubt" include "condition of uncertainty", "period of skepticism", or "moment of uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "state of uncertainty" or "state of doubt"?

Both "state of uncertainty" and "state of doubt" are correct, but "state of doubt" specifically implies a questioning or wavering belief, while "state of uncertainty" is more general and can refer to any situation where outcomes are unknown.

Can "state of doubt" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "state of doubt" is appropriate for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, ensure that the tone and context of your writing align with the level of uncertainty you wish to express. Using alternatives might make sense depending on the tone required.