suggestion of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggestion of doubt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sentence or statement that implies uncertainty or lack of confidence in the information being presented. Here is an example of how it might be used in a sentence: "Her voice had a subtle suggestion of doubt as she explained her theory on the disappearance of the missing manuscript."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A halt in midspeech, an extra tap on the piano's pedal, a suggestion of doubt and degree, of resonance and approximation, where straight, flat surfaces are the norm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are placed at opposite ends of a long table, and distracted by busywork, as Iago Ned Eisenbergg) casually begins letting little suggestions of doubt and suspicion drop from his tongue, almost as if unconsciously.

The New York Times

"However, for the avoidance of doubt, any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue," said Buckingham Palace spokeswoman Meryl Walter.

Huffington Post

Moreover, he has done so without conceding an inch to the scheme's critics, whom he accuses of a "bizarre kind of reverse elitism, which tolerates failing comprehensives whilst denigrating any suggestion of diversity .There is no doubt that Mr Johnson is intensely ambitious.

The Economist

Sometimes, out of his extensive rhetorical tool kit, the president pulls a weird folksy tone, a subliminal suggestion of Merle Haggard, designed, no doubt, to soothe the terror induced by his blackness.

The Guardian

"My mother used to hit me when I was bad," one of my aunts once told me, "and she always said to me, 'I'll beat the Gypsy out of you, my girl.'" When my father first told me about our Romany ancestry, he asked me not to mention it to neighbours or friends at school - a suggestion no doubt at the root of my abiding fascination with what is, after all, only a small part of our family history.

The Guardian

The show, her first solo effort in seven years, is called "Lypsinka!: The Boxed Set," and the suggestion of captivity in the title is no doubt intentional.

The New York Times

A moment of doubt.

The New York Times

Climate of Doubt?

The New York Times - Magazine

"I kind of doubt it".

The New York Times

Strategy used: Seed of Doubt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suggestion of doubt" to subtly introduce uncertainty without directly stating disbelief, allowing room for further investigation or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "suggestion of doubt" repeatedly in close proximity; vary your language with synonyms like "hint of uncertainty" or "trace of skepticism" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggestion of doubt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It subtly introduces a degree of uncertainty or skepticism, often used to qualify statements or observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggestion of doubt" serves as a nuanced way to introduce uncertainty or skepticism without overtly expressing disbelief. Grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts ranging from News & Media to scientific discussions, it allows for subtle qualification and further investigation. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is indeed accurate and fit for use in professional writing. While alternatives like "hint of uncertainty" exist, "suggestion of doubt" maintains its unique capacity to imply a deliberate, albeit subtle, expression of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of uncertainty

Replaces "doubt" with "uncertainty", focusing on the general lack of sureness rather than direct disbelief.

trace of skepticism

Emphasizes a questioning attitude, rather than a mere lack of conviction.

shade of hesitation

Highlights the reluctance or pause associated with uncertainty.

element of disbelief

Directly points to a component of not believing something.

whiff of incredulity

Suggests a slight or subtle expression of disbelief.

suspicion of falsehood

Implies a belief that something might be untrue.

inkling of misgiving

Focuses on a feeling of unease or apprehension about something.

sense of dubiousness

Highlights a feeling of doubt or questionableness surrounding something.

implication of uncertainty

Shifts the focus to the implied or suggested lack of certainty.

air of reservation

Indicates a certain amount of doubt or hesitation that is noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "suggestion of doubt" to subtly introduce uncertainty. For instance, "There was a "suggestion of doubt" in her voice as she presented the findings."

What can I say instead of "suggestion of doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of uncertainty", "trace of skepticism", or "shade of hesitation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "suggestion of doubt" or "hint of doubt"?

Both "suggestion of doubt" and "hint of doubt" are correct, but "suggestion of doubt" may imply a more deliberate or conscious expression of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "suggestion of doubt" and "expression of doubt"?

"Suggestion of doubt" implies a more subtle or indirect indication of uncertainty, while "expression of doubt" indicates a more explicit or direct communication of uncertainty.