doubt

Use the word "doubt" if you aren’t sure if something is true or correct.

In these sentences, "doubt" is a verb:

• I doubt he’s telling the truth. I think he’s lying.
• Almost everyone doubts John’s story about the size of the fish he caught.
• Tina’s parents never doubted that she was telling the truth about what she saw.
• Mary doubts herself all the time.
• Joseph doubts his chances of finding a job.

In these sentences, "doubt" is a noun:

• There are many doubts about his abilities as a leader of this company.
• Doubts about the man’s background led to his arrest. It turned out he was a criminal.
• We have some doubt that this plan will work.
• Their future together as a couple is in doubt.
• I’ve had some doubts about you, but it looks like I was wrong.

Add "ful" to the word "doubt" to make the adjective, "doubtful."

• It’s doubtful that he’ll get the position.
• The chances for precipitation this weekend are doubtful.
• A doubtful police officer listened to the driver explain why he was speeding.

Note: As you have probably noticed, the "b" in this word is silent.

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Published on January 9, 2013