strongly doubt that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strongly doubt that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a firm disbelief or skepticism about a statement or situation. Example: "I strongly doubt that he will arrive on time." Alternative expressions include "seriously doubt" and "have significant doubts about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I strongly doubt that many diners finish their dessert here.

The New York Times

As a partisan, I strongly doubt that the current president has such nefarious motives or would stoop to such tactics.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We strongly doubt that our father's health can withstand the stress of a trial or further detainment," family members wrote.

The New York Times

I strongly doubt that instead it's letting its employees fly all over the landscape with giant penises attached to their avatars' foreheads.

The Guardian - Opinion

I strongly doubt that Mr. Eastwood, who also directed the film, and David Webb Peoples, its writer, intend that we admire this regression.

The New York Times

We hope that Syrians find solutions to the crisis soon, but we strongly doubt that the regime's terrorizing the population will end the crisis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Dr. Wieman said he strongly doubted that the new instructors had this kind of effect on the students.

The New York Times - Science

Analysts and diplomats, however, said they strongly doubted that the groups could operate in Syria, a police state, without the approval of the government.

The New York Times

Irma Zandl, a New York youth marketing consultant, said she strongly doubted that the majority of young Americans viewed such items, even those merchandised in a cynical way, purely as kitsch.

The New York Times - Style

Syrian political experts said they strongly doubted that the Syrian government would entertain Sheik Khatib's offer, partly because that could create the impression that Mr. Assad would look weak if he were to accept the conditions.

The New York Times

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly doubts that this year's flu vaccine will offer people any protection from the swine flu.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strongly doubt that" to express a firm but polite disagreement or skepticism, especially when you have good reason to believe something is not true. This phrase adds a layer of professional distance, unlike directly saying "I don't believe it."

Common error

Avoid using "strongly doubt that" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "seriously question", "highly skeptical", or "find it hard to believe" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strongly doubt that" functions as a declarative expression of disbelief or skepticism. Ludwig examples show it's typically used to politely but firmly question the validity of a statement or expectation. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strongly doubt that" is a phrase used to politely but firmly express disbelief or skepticism. As the Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase allows you to convey uncertainty or disagreement without being overly confrontational. While its frequency is considered common, varying your language with alternatives like "seriously question that" or "highly skeptical of that" can prevent repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously question that

Emphasizes a deep level of scrutiny and uncertainty.

highly skeptical of that

Highlights a strong degree of doubt, focusing on a lack of confidence in the statement.

find it hard to believe that

Indicates difficulty in accepting something as true.

remain unconvinced that

Suggests a continued state of disbelief despite presented evidence.

have serious reservations about that

Indicates significant concerns and doubts about the validity or feasibility.

am inclined to disbelieve that

Suggests a leaning towards disbelief, often based on personal judgment or prior experience.

view that with considerable suspicion

Emphasizes distrust and doubt towards a particular viewpoint or claim.

take a dim view of that

Expresses a negative opinion and a lack of faith in the outcome.

beg to differ on that

A polite disagreement, implying a contrasting belief.

not entirely sure about that

Indicates mild uncertainty or a lack of complete agreement.

FAQs

What does "strongly doubt that" mean?

The phrase "strongly doubt that" indicates a firm disbelief or skepticism about a statement or situation. It expresses a higher degree of doubt than simply saying "I doubt that".

How can I use "strongly doubt that" in a sentence?

You can use "strongly doubt that" followed by a clause expressing the doubtful statement. For example, "I "strongly doubt that" he will arrive on time."

What are some alternatives to "strongly doubt that"?

You can use alternatives such as "seriously question that", "highly skeptical of that", or "find it hard to believe that", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I doubt that" or "I strongly doubt that"?

Saying "I strongly doubt that" emphasizes a higher degree of disbelief compared to "I doubt that". The choice depends on how firmly you want to express your skepticism.