when in doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

"when in doubt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express uncertainty or hesitation. For example: "When in doubt, it's best to consult a professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When in doubt, don't.

The New York Times - Magazine

When in doubt, consider English.

The New York Times

When in doubt, think Beaujolais.

The New York Times - Food

WHEN in doubt, bash America.

The Economist

When in doubt, buy time.

The New York Times

When in doubt, ask.

Cornell University

(When in doubt, cast it in bronze).

The New York Times - Arts

(When in doubt, create a task force).

The Economist

And when in doubt, have sex".

The New York Times

When in doubt, reboot.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The when-in-doubt rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "when in doubt" with a specific course of action. For example, "When in doubt, ask for clarification" provides clear direction.

Common error

Avoid pairing "when in doubt" with overly general advice like "use your best judgement". Instead, offer concrete actions that the reader can take.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when in doubt" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, introducing a situation of uncertainty or hesitation. It sets the stage for a recommended action or decision, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "When in doubt, ask" or "When in doubt, simplify."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

27%

Forbes

11%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when in doubt" is a common and versatile expression used to introduce advice or suggest a course of action in situations of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, from informal tips on WikiHow to more formal recommendations in news articles. The advice that follows "when in doubt" varies greatly, ranging from practical steps like "ask questions" or "simplify" to more cautious approaches such as "do nothing" or "don't take it". The key is to ensure that the advice is specific and actionable, providing clear guidance when facing a dilemma.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if in any doubt

This option adds emphasis to the possibility of doubt.

if uncertain

This alternative focuses on the state of uncertainty, omitting the action or decision point.

in case of uncertainty

This phrase emphasizes a hypothetical situation where uncertainty exists.

if you're unsure

This option uses a more informal and personal tone.

when you're not certain

This is a slightly longer and more explicit way of saying "when in doubt".

when not sure

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way to express the same idea.

should you hesitate

This phrase introduces a more formal and conditional tone.

on the occasion of doubt

This alternative is a formal way to say "when in doubt".

if doubt arises

This alternative treats doubt as something that appears.

in situations of uncertainty

This emphasizes the uncertain circumstances rather than the feeling of doubt.

FAQs

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

The phrase "when in doubt" is typically followed by a recommendation or course of action to take when you are uncertain about something. For example, "When in doubt, ask for help" or "When in doubt, choose the simplest option".

What can I say instead of "when in doubt"?

You can use alternatives like "if uncertain", "in case of uncertainty", or "if you're unsure depending on the context.

Is it better to say "when in doubt" or "if in doubt"?

Both "when in doubt" and "if in doubt" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "When in doubt" suggests a more frequent or recurring situation, while "if in doubt" implies a more hypothetical scenario.

What does "when in doubt" mean?

The phrase "when in doubt" means when you are uncertain or unsure about something. It is commonly used to introduce a piece of advice or a recommended course of action to take in such situations.