I have doubts

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   I am not sure something is true, right, or likely to succeed.

   Grammar: Usually followed by "about" plus a noun, or by "whether/that" plus a clause: "I have doubts about him", "I have doubts that it will work".

   Patterns

   • I have doubts about something
   • I have doubts whether …
   • I have doubts that …
   • I have my doubts

   I have doubts about this plan, so let's discuss it again.

   She said she has doubts whether the train will arrive on time.

   I have doubts that the team can finish by Friday.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   I do not fully trust or believe someone or something.

   Grammar: Often used with "about" before a person or claim.

   Patterns

   • I have doubts about someone
   • I have doubts about something

   I have doubts about his story because the details keep changing.

   We all have doubts about the numbers in that report.

3. 3phrasefixed phraseinformal

   I have a feeling of worry or hesitation before doing something.

   Grammar: Common in the shorter form "I have my doubts", which sounds slightly informal.

   Patterns

   • I have my doubts
   • I have serious doubts

   I have my doubts, but I'll give it a try.

   She has serious doubts about moving to another city.

Common combinations

have serious doubts

The manager has serious doubts about the new schedule.

have doubts about something

I have doubts about the price they quoted.

have no doubts

I have no doubts that she will pass the test.

have doubts whether

He has doubts whether the shop will still be open.

have my doubts

I have my doubts, but let's see what happens.

Synonyms and how they differ

be unsure

"Be unsure" is more neutral and can stand alone; "have doubts" usually needs "about" or a clause.

question

As a verb, "question" is stronger and more direct than simply having doubts.

doubt

The singular "doubt" is used in phrases like "no doubt", but the everyday expression keeps the plural.

Opposites

Word family

doubt noun

A feeling of not being sure about something.

doubtful adjective

Describing something that seems unlikely or uncertain.

doubtless adverb

Meaning certainly or probably true.

Commonly confused: I have doubts or doubt?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I have doubts”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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