which I doubt

USAGE SUMMARY

'which I doubt' is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or uncertainty about a topic. For example: She said she was feeling better, which I doubt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If your neighbor is harassing anyone, which I doubt, it's the poor police dispatcher.

The New York Times

Stunned, he stammered a reply... which I doubt you will believe.

The Guardian - Film

And even if my own experience is untypical, which I doubt, the organisation seriously failed me.

The Guardian

Unless there is a posthumous memoir, waiting to be released, which I doubt.

The Guardian - Music

Education, then, is no longer the answer to rising inequality, if it ever was (which I doubt).

The New York Times

If they knew it, they might find out who Mayakovsky is, which I doubt that they have done.

The New Yorker

I can take no part in such a thing even if it makes effective propaganda abroad, which I doubt.

The New Yorker

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 4.24am GMT Good morning/afternoon/evening all If it is a good morning, which I doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

If the special master concludes this was a deliberate tactic -- which I doubt -- then Chrysler is in trouble".

The New York Times

"If there is a physical way to protect a building from this, which I doubt, it would be prohibitive in cost, and the natural light would disappear".

The New Yorker

Morgan replied, "If you ever get out of here alive, which I doubt you will, try to tell people my story".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which I doubt" to politely express skepticism or uncertainty, softening a potentially confrontational statement. For example, instead of saying "I don't believe that", try "That might be true, which I doubt".

Common error

Avoid using "which I doubt" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly negative or cynical. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "I'm skeptical" or "I find that hard to believe."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which I doubt" primarily functions as a relative clause that expresses the speaker's or writer's skepticism or uncertainty about the preceding statement. It adds a layer of doubt to the information presented, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which I doubt" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a relative clause, adding a layer of doubt to a preceding statement. While primarily found in news and media, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, it's useful for softening statements, but should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly cynical. Consider alternatives like "I'm skeptical" or "I find that hard to believe" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I find that hard to believe

Expresses disbelief more directly.

I have my doubts about that

Highlights existing reservations.

I'm skeptical of that

Emphasizes a questioning attitude.

I'm not convinced

Implies a lack of persuasion.

I'm dubious about that

Conveys uncertainty and suspicion.

That seems unlikely

Focuses on the improbability of something.

I remain unconvinced

Highlights a continued state of doubt.

I question that

Directly challenges the validity of something.

I'm not so sure about that

Expresses mild uncertainty or disagreement.

I'm inclined to disbelieve that

Suggests a predisposition against believing.

FAQs

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

Use "which I doubt" to express uncertainty or skepticism about a preceding statement. For example, "He said he'd finish the project by Friday, "which I doubt"."

What are some alternatives to "which I doubt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I find that hard to believe", "I'm skeptical of that", or "I have my doubts about that", depending on the level of doubt you want to convey.

Is it better to say "which I doubt" or "that I doubt"?

"Which I doubt" is generally preferred when it refers to a clause or a whole statement, while "that I doubt" might be used for a specific element. However, "which I doubt" is more common and versatile.

How formal is the phrase "which I doubt"?

The phrase "which I doubt" is considered relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for expressing mild skepticism without being overly aggressive.