we doubt that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we doubt that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when you are expressing uncertainty about something, or when you are expressing a lack of agreement with something. Example: We doubt that the city will be able to lower taxes this year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We doubt that would have made for dramatic TV.

The Washington Post

Once accepted as the norm, we doubt that data sharing will ever go out of fashion.

Nature

We doubt that Sherzamonov could say that and he himself denies it," the source said.

The Guardian

(We doubt that rocker Bret Michaels will ever return to the Tonys).

The Guardian

We doubt that McIlree is just a lucky analyst.

Forbes

We doubt that funding gap could be closed on a dime.

Forbes

However we doubt that variation at this level of abstraction can be adequately tested by the analysis of crime data.

Crime Science

As for Lisbeth sitting on Santa's lap, we doubt that will be happening anytime soon.

Huffington Post

Somehow, we doubt that retraining will get mentioned in the MRC's film.

Huffington Post

Thus, we doubt that inclusion of any of these covariables would uncover a statistically significant relationship between vitD and response.

Cancer Medicine

As a result, we doubt that interspinous bursitis can explain the spinal pain reported by PMR patients.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we doubt that" to express polite disagreement or uncertainty, especially in formal writing or professional contexts. It's less direct than saying "we disagree".

Common error

Avoid using "we doubt that" excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "I don't think so" or "That seems unlikely" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we doubt that" functions as a hedge, softening a disagreement or expressing uncertainty. It is used to introduce a statement that contradicts or questions a previous assertion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we doubt that" is a versatile phrase used to express skepticism or uncertainty, particularly in formal and professional contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. It functions as a hedge, softening disagreement while introducing alternative perspectives. While examples are most frequent in news, scientific, and academic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register, writers should consider more casual alternatives for informal settings. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we question whether

Replaces "doubt" with "question", suggesting a more active inquiry into the truth or likelihood of something.

we are skeptical that

Emphasizes a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

we find it hard to believe that

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

it is unlikely that we

Focuses on the low probability of something occurring, shifting the structure.

we are not convinced that

Indicates a lack of persuasion or acceptance.

we suspect that this is not the case

Expresses a suspicion that the situation is different from what is presented.

we hesitate to say that

Shows reluctance or reservation in making a particular statement.

we remain unconvinced that

Suggests a continuing state of disbelief or lack of persuasion.

we have reservations about

Expresses specific concerns or hesitations regarding something.

it seems improbable to us that

Indicates a low likelihood from the speaker's perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "we doubt that" to express skepticism or disbelief about a statement or situation. For example, "We doubt that the company will meet its projected earnings this quarter."

What can I say instead of "we doubt that"?

You can use alternatives like "we question whether", "we are skeptical that", or "it is unlikely that we" depending on the context.

Is "we doubt that" a formal expression?

"We doubt that" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. More informal alternatives exist for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "we doubt that" and "we don't believe that"?

"We doubt that" expresses a degree of uncertainty or skepticism, while "we don't believe that" expresses a firmer disbelief. The choice depends on the strength of your conviction.