triggering doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "triggering doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or actions that cause uncertainty or skepticism in someone's mind. Example: "The sudden change in the project's direction is triggering doubt among the team members about its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On the fourth day he hit one of those golden patches that have defined his career, the line forcing batsmen to play, the length triggering doubt in their minds.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would immediately trigger doubts over whether Portugal, Spain and even Italy should or could stay in the euro.

The Economist

Ewald Nowotny, governor of the Austrian National Bank, is opposed to ducking the guarantee, saying that such a move would trigger doubts about Austria's willingness to honour its debts.Richard Thomas, an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, goes further, warning that there would be a wider negative impact if the guarantee is not honoured in some way, particularly on Germany's Landesbanken.

The Economist

Particular events – a very elderly patient saying that her mother will look after her at home, a relative or friend describing risky behaviour, or a specific clinical finding, such as a low score on a cognitive test – might trigger doubts about capacity [ 23].

BMC Geriatrics

It is helpful to recognize this - that negative experiences can't trigger self doubt unless the doubt is already there.

Huffington Post

The more promising trial-support campaigns will seek to trigger reasonable doubt by raising issues closer to the core of the prosecution.

Huffington Post

They inevitably get hit with trouble that they never could have imagined or prepared for, and that can trigger self-doubt and self-destruction and self-pity.

The New York Times

Sunday morning's massacre will no doubt trigger another wave of detentions and arrests.

The New Yorker

She's almost that self-absorbed on her third album as Tune-Yards: several songs are preoccupied with the idea of being a singer ("Oh my god I use my lungs!"), the doubt triggered by acclaim, and the struggle to create.

The Guardian - Music

Given its record, any move downstream into U.S. oil or gas distribution will no doubt trigger a stricter CFIUS review under the House bill.

Forbes

This will no doubt trigger his old childhood pain, reinforcing his resistance to your input.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "triggering doubt" when you want to emphasize the action of initiating or causing uncertainty, rather than simply describing a state of doubt. For example, "The company's inconsistent communication is triggering doubt among investors."

Common error

While "triggering doubt" is generally acceptable, it might sound less sophisticated in highly formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "raising concerns" or "instilling skepticism" in academic papers or official reports to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triggering doubt" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun modifier. It describes something that initiates or causes uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and can be used to describe situations that cause uncertainty or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "triggering doubt" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe situations or actions that initiate uncertainty or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While it is frequently found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and more informal writing. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes the action causing the doubt, differentiating it from similar phrases like "causing uncertainty". In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "raising concerns" for a more polished tone. Remember the best practices and avoid the common errors outlined in this guidance to maximize the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causing uncertainty

Focuses on the direct effect of creating a state of uncertainty, rather than initiating a feeling of doubt.

raising suspicion

Implies a questioning of integrity or truthfulness, adding a layer of distrust.

instilling skepticism

Highlights the process of gradually creating a skeptical attitude.

generating mistrust

Emphasizes the creation of a lack of trust, a stronger sentiment than simple doubt.

prompting questions

Suggests that something is causing people to ask questions because they are unsure.

arousing misgivings

Focuses on the stirring up of feelings of apprehension or uncertainty about something.

sparking disbelief

Implies a more sudden and intense reaction of incredulity.

fostering reservations

Indicates the encouragement or development of hesitant feelings or objections.

sowing seeds of doubt

Uses a metaphor to describe the subtle introduction of uncertainty.

creating apprehension

Focuses on generating anxiety or fear about possible future events.

FAQs

How can I use "triggering doubt" in a sentence?

You can use "triggering doubt" to describe situations or actions that cause uncertainty or skepticism. For example, "The lack of transparency is triggering doubt about the company's financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "triggering doubt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "causing uncertainty", "raising suspicion", or "instilling skepticism".

Is it better to say "triggering doubt" or "causing doubt"?

"Triggering doubt" emphasizes the action of initiating the doubt, while "causing doubt" simply states that doubt is being created. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the cause or the effect. For example: His explanation was "causing uncertainty". His aggressive tone was "triggering doubt".

What's the difference between "triggering doubt" and "raising doubt"?

"Triggering doubt" implies a more active initiation of doubt, suggesting a specific event or action is causing it. "Raising doubt" is a more general term that simply indicates doubt is increasing or becoming more apparent. In cases where the action must be emphasized, use "triggering doubt"