twinge of doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twinge of doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a slight feeling of uncertainty or hesitation about something. Example: "As she prepared for the presentation, she felt a twinge of doubt about her ability to engage the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Even there, however, in the hands of masterly authors, one felt a twinge of doubt.

The New Yorker

I move on and feel the first twinge of doubt as mounted police appear.

The Guardian

Early Wednesday Morning A similar feeling swept over Mr. Klein, the state senator, who started the day with a twinge of doubt.

The New York Times

Millburn is the first municipality to try moving out its unwanted deer, and Mr. Lund confessed a twinge of doubt over whether it would succeed, mostly because of basic arithmetic.

The New York Times

As the Minnesota Vikings went through training camp this month, Brett Favre remained in Mississippi, beginning to feel the twinge of doubt he had dreaded with his first two retirements.

The New York Times - Sports

Do you feel a twinge of doubt?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They are very happy, and yet Giovanni is beginning to have the tiniest twinges of doubt about the efficacy of his therapeutic practice.

The Guardian - Film

Yet by mid-career, in the late nineteen-seventies and early eighties, even as films in the Dirty Harry series were still coming out, Eastwood began showing signs of regret, twinges of doubt and self-reproof, along with a broadening of interest and a stunning increase of aesthetic ambition.

The New Yorker

But as Ella and I agonized over delivery options -- she thought it would be reasonable to pay an additional $10.99 for overnight delivery, while I favored the more frugal $3.99 standard shipping option (three to seven business days) -- I began to feel the first twinges of doubt.

The New York Times - Tech

He sees bugs and feels a twinge of loneliness while doubting human existence on the Avenue.

The New Yorker

Every so often, in the dark of night, I still get those twinges of self-doubt.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "twinge of doubt" to convey a fleeting or minor feeling of uncertainty, rather than a strong or persistent one. This adds nuance to your writing and avoids exaggerating the level of doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "twinge of doubt" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language with synonyms like "hint of uncertainty" or "slight hesitation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "twinge of doubt" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb, such as "feel" or "experience". It describes a slight, sudden feeling of uncertainty. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "twinge of doubt" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, signifying a mild and fleeting feeling of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides multiple real-world examples. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, possessing a neutral register that suits various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a minor, passing doubt to avoid misrepresenting the intensity of the feeling. To prevent overuse, consider alternatives such as "hint of uncertainty" or "slight hesitation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of uncertainty

Replaces "twinge" with "hint", emphasizing a subtle feeling rather than a sharp one, while maintaining the sense of uncertainty.

slight hesitation

Focuses on the pause or delay caused by doubt, rather than the feeling itself.

flicker of apprehension

Substitutes "doubt" with "apprehension", highlighting a mild anxiety or fear.

trace of misgiving

Replaces "twinge" with "trace" and "doubt" with "misgiving", suggesting a faint feeling of unease or apprehension.

shade of skepticism

Emphasizes disbelief or questioning rather than general doubt.

small reservation

Highlights a limited or qualified doubt, often related to agreement or acceptance.

inkling of suspicion

Focuses on a slight feeling that something is wrong or dishonest.

minor qualm

Replaces "twinge of doubt" with a single word that encapsulates a slight feeling of doubt or worry.

fleeting uncertainty

Highlights the temporary or passing nature of the doubt.

undercurrent of concern

Suggests a subtle but persistent worry influencing one's thoughts or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "twinge of doubt" to describe a fleeting feeling of uncertainty about something. For instance, "As she stepped onto the stage, she felt a "twinge of doubt" about her performance."

What are some alternatives to "twinge of doubt"?

Alternatives include "hint of uncertainty", "slight hesitation", or "flicker of apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "twinge of doubt" in formal writing?

Yes, "twinge of doubt" is suitable for formal writing. It is a recognized and grammatically correct expression that effectively conveys a mild feeling of uncertainty. Its appropriateness will also depend on the overall tone and context of the piece.

What's the difference between "twinge of doubt" and "strong feeling of doubt"?

"Twinge of doubt" implies a brief, minor feeling of uncertainty, while "strong feeling of doubt" indicates a more significant and impactful sense of skepticism or disbelief.