we highly doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we highly doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing skepticism or disbelief about a statement or situation. Example: "Given the evidence presented, we highly doubt the accuracy of the claims made by the witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We highly doubt a Dane County judge has the authority to tell the Legislature how to carry out its constitutional duty," Senator Scott Fitzgerald and Representative Jeff Fitzgerald, who are brothers as well as Republican leaders, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Chances are that this model is getting an update, but we highly doubt that it would come with a different sensor than what the two other newish Canon cameras have.

TechCrunch

Pricing will depend on exactly how much storage you need, but this is the first Intel NAS aimed at the home user, and we highly doubt it'll be the last.

TechCrunch

We highly doubt that.

Huffington Post

We highly doubt Lewis was going for George Washairton-esque hair, but she nailed it!

Huffington Post

Despite its originality, we highly doubt Anna Wintour would be much amused the atmospheric and moody qualities of this fashion forray--but we'll let you the viewer be the judge.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

While I'll humor notions of color options for the next iPhone, I highly doubt we'll see any plastic in the coming months out of Cupertino.

TechCrunch

Sign up now to get the best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

Given the likelihood of each woman winning her riding, I highly doubt that we'll land anywhere near equitable representation amongst the city's ridings.

Vice

Since this is 2013 and we live in America, I highly doubt that what Ms. Deen was referring to anything she had seen that was stereotypical of African-Americans.

Huffington Post

I highly doubt that we're going to see computer technology that is quick enough to be able to play digital instruments as though they were acoustic or analog".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we highly doubt" when you want to express a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism about a statement or situation. It's more emphatic than simply saying "we doubt."

Common error

Avoid using "we highly doubt" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we seriously question", "we are skeptical", or "we have our doubts" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we highly doubt" functions as an expression of strong skepticism or disbelief. It conveys that the speaker or writer has serious reservations about the truth or likelihood of something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we highly doubt" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing strong disbelief or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct expression in English. While "we seriously doubt" or "we strongly doubt" serve as close synonyms, remember to vary your language to avoid repetition. Primarily found in News & Media and Science, this phrase is versatile enough for neutral to professional contexts. When using "we highly doubt", be sure it accurately reflects your level of skepticism and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we seriously doubt

Replaces "highly" with "seriously", intensifying the doubt.

we strongly doubt

Uses "strongly" to emphasize the degree of doubt.

we have our doubts

Expresses doubt more subtly, implying uncertainty.

we are skeptical of that

Uses the term "skeptical" to convey doubt based on critical evaluation.

we question that

Shifts from expressing doubt to questioning the validity.

we find that hard to believe

Indicates disbelief in a more conversational tone.

we're dubious about that

Uses "dubious" to suggest uncertainty and potential dishonesty.

we're not convinced

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion.

we are not so sure about that

A more cautious way of expressing doubt or disagreement.

it's doubtful that we

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the improbability.

FAQs

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

Use "we highly doubt" to express strong skepticism about a statement or event. For example, "Given the lack of evidence, we highly doubt the claims made in the report."

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

You can use alternatives like "we seriously doubt", "we strongly doubt", or "we have our doubts" depending on the context.

Is "we highly doubt" formal or informal?

"We highly doubt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "we seriously question" or "we express reservations."

What's the difference between "we doubt" and "we highly doubt"?

"We doubt" expresses uncertainty or disbelief, while "we highly doubt" indicates a stronger level of skepticism. The addition of "highly" emphasizes the degree of doubt.