we were doubtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were doubtful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence about a situation or outcome. Example: "As the deadline approached, we were doubtful about completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"A year ago today we were depressed, we were doubtful and we were in debt," said Representative Steve Israel of New York, who oversees the committee that works to get Democrats elected to the House".

The New York Times

We were doubtful last night when the story first broke.

TechCrunch

"We were doubtful because it's been going on so long, the speculation, we thought it might be a hoax so we did check all the way down the line that it was real," he said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We are doubtful.

Harvard Business Review

Since ICCAuctions vets lots in advance, he added, "We can exclude anything we're doubtful about".

The New York Times - Arts

We are doubtful and argue that the "single point of entry" approach is better viewed as one tool in the resolution toolbox.

The New York Times

They were bad plays &deserved what they got, but even if they had been good ones we're doubtful about their value as propaganda.

The New Yorker

That may quiet some of the fury in Seoul and Washingtonn), but we're doubtful it will have much impact in Pyongyang, especially when China is so determined to offset any losses.

The New York Times

"We are doubtful whether parliament either expected or intended that cases such as McKinnon would go back to the home secretary for further consideration on human rights grounds," said Scott Baker.

The Guardian

We're doubtful but wouldn't be surprise if the cost ends up being close to what this site is stating.

TechCrunch

As a part of our analysis concerned a structured literature review, we are able to 'share' our coding process as it has been performed with qualitative analysis software MaxQDA, but we are doubtful of the added value.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were doubtful" to express uncertainty about a past event or situation. Ensure the context clearly identifies what you were doubtful about.

Common error

Avoid using "we are doubtful" when describing a general characteristic. Instead, use "we tend to be doubtful" or "we are often doubtful" to indicate a tendency rather than a current state. The present simple implies a continuous action, while "we are doubtful" implies a momentary feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were doubtful" functions as a statement expressing a past state of uncertainty or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It indicates a lack of confidence or conviction regarding something at a specific point in the past.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were doubtful" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a past feeling of uncertainty or skepticism within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Though relatively rare in occurrence, the expression appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure clear context regarding the object of doubt and be mindful of potential tense errors. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "we were uncertain" or "we had our doubts" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were uncertain

Expresses a general lack of certainty or sureness.

we were skeptical

Implies a questioning attitude and a need for more evidence.

we had our doubts

Indicates an internal reservation or suspicion.

we were dubious

Suggests a stronger sense of disbelief or distrust.

we were apprehensive

Highlights feelings of anxiety or concern about a potential outcome.

we were unconvinced

Emphasizes the failure to be persuaded or convinced.

we felt unsure

Focuses on the subjective feeling of lacking confidence.

we questioned it

Indicates the act of actively doubting or challenging something.

we remained skeptical

Highlights that the skepticism persisted over time.

we took it with a grain of salt

Suggests a cautious acceptance, not fully believing something.

FAQs

What does "we were doubtful" mean?

The phrase "we were doubtful" means that a group of people experienced uncertainty or a lack of confidence about something in the past.

How can I use "we were doubtful" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a past feeling of uncertainty. For example, "We were doubtful about the project's success due to the tight deadline."

What can I say instead of "we were doubtful"?

You can use alternatives like "we were uncertain", "we were skeptical", or "we had our doubts" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "we were doubtful" and "we were suspicious"?

Yes, "we were doubtful" implies uncertainty, while "we were suspicious" implies a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. Suspicion often involves mistrust, whereas doubt is more general.