There is room for doubt
Hedging expression to soften claims
حرفيًا: There is physical space for a feeling of uncertainty
Use this phrase to politely suggest that a claim might not be entirely true or proven.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to express that a situation is not completely certain.
- A polite, sophisticated way to show skepticism or disagreement.
- Common in professional, academic, and legal discussions.
المعنى
This phrase means that something isn't 100% certain. You use it to suggest that there is still a possibility that a different explanation or outcome exists.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Discussing a scientific study
The results are impressive, but there is still room for doubt regarding the long-term effects.
The results are impressive, but there is still room for doubt regarding the long-term effects.
Reacting to a friend's wild story
You said you met a celebrity at the grocery store? I think there's some room for doubt there!
You said you met a celebrity at the grocery store? I think there's some room for doubt there!
In a formal business meeting
While the projection looks good, the market volatility leaves room for doubt.
While the projection looks good, the market volatility leaves room for doubt.
خلفية ثقافية
The expression is heavily influenced by the Western legal concept of 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. In English-speaking cultures, being 'too sure' can sometimes be seen as arrogant or naive. Using this phrase demonstrates a valued intellectual trait: the ability to remain critical and objective.
The 'Little' Trick
If you say there is 'little room for doubt', you are actually saying you are almost 100% sure. It's a sneaky way to sound certain while still being polite.
Don't say 'Space'
Even though 'room' and 'space' mean the same thing, we never say 'space for doubt'. It sounds very unnatural to a native speaker.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to express that a situation is not completely certain.
- A polite, sophisticated way to show skepticism or disagreement.
- Common in professional, academic, and legal discussions.
What It Means
Imagine a box filled with a 'fact'. If the box is overflowing, the fact is absolute. But if there is room for doubt, the box has a little extra space. That space is where questions and alternative ideas live. It means a situation isn't 'open and shut'. You are saying, 'I am not totally convinced yet'. It is a polite way to stay skeptical.
How To Use It
You usually place it after a statement that seems true but might not be. You can say there is some room for doubt or there is little room for doubt. It works perfectly as a standalone sentence or a connector. Use it when you want to look smart and analytical. It shows you are thinking deeply about the details.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when a colleague presents a 'perfect' plan. It is great for discussing news stories or true crime documentaries. Use it when your friend tells a story that sounds a bit like a lie. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'I don't believe you'. It is the 'gentleman's way' of being suspicious.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for obvious facts, like 2+2=4. You will sound like a conspiracy theorist! Avoid it in high-stakes emotional moments with a partner. Saying there is room for doubt about your love is a recipe for a lonely night. Also, don't use it if you want to sound 100% supportive. It is a tool for critics, not cheerleaders.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in the English legal system. The famous 'reasonable doubt' is what juries look for. English culture values 'understatement' and 'hedging'. We often avoid being too direct or aggressive with our opinions. Using this phrase makes you sound objective rather than argumentative. It is a very 'British' way to disagree politely.
Common Variations
Beyond a shadow of a doubt(The opposite: 100% sure)Leave no room for doubt(To be incredibly clear)Reasonable doubt(The legal version)A seed of doubt(When a small suspicion starts to grow)
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase sits in the 'Formal' to 'Neutral' range. It is highly effective in professional writing and debates to avoid sounding overly aggressive while still expressing disagreement.
The 'Little' Trick
If you say there is 'little room for doubt', you are actually saying you are almost 100% sure. It's a sneaky way to sound certain while still being polite.
Don't say 'Space'
Even though 'room' and 'space' mean the same thing, we never say 'space for doubt'. It sounds very unnatural to a native speaker.
The British Hedge
In the UK, people use this to avoid being 'confrontational'. Instead of saying 'You are wrong', they say 'There might be some room for doubt'. It's a polite shield!
أمثلة
6The results are impressive, but there is still room for doubt regarding the long-term effects.
The results are impressive, but there is still room for doubt regarding the long-term effects.
Used to show scientific skepticism in a professional way.
You said you met a celebrity at the grocery store? I think there's some room for doubt there!
You said you met a celebrity at the grocery store? I think there's some room for doubt there!
A playful way to tell a friend you don't quite believe them.
While the projection looks good, the market volatility leaves room for doubt.
While the projection looks good, the market volatility leaves room for doubt.
Hedging a claim to avoid taking full responsibility if things go wrong.
The ending was so vague! Definitely room for doubt about whether the hero survived.
The ending was so vague! Definitely room for doubt about whether the hero survived.
Casual discussion about theories and interpretations.
He says he's a chef, but after tasting this soup, there is significant room for doubt.
He says he's a chef, but after tasting this soup, there is significant room for doubt.
Using formal language for a funny, sarcastic effect.
I want to believe you, but your recent actions leave room for doubt.
I want to believe you, but your recent actions leave room for doubt.
Expressing hurt or uncertainty in a relationship.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a skeptical context.
The witness's story was consistent, but his nervous behavior left ___ for doubt.
The standard collocation is always 'room for doubt'.
Which modifier makes the doubt sound very small?
The evidence is nearly perfect; there is ___ room for doubt.
'Little room for doubt' means the speaker is almost certain it is true.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Room for Doubt'
I'm not so sure about that.
I don't buy it.
Using it with friends about movies or news.
There is some room for doubt.
Academic papers, legal settings, or business.
The data leaves little room for doubt.
Where to use 'Room for Doubt'
Courtroom
Reasonable doubt
Office
Questioning a strategy
Science
Reviewing a theory
Gossip
Doubting a rumor
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot exactly. 'I don't believe you' is direct and can be rude. Room for doubt suggests that while the story might be true, it isn't proven yet.
Yes, it is excellent for academic writing. For example: The historical records leave room for doubt regarding the king's true motives.
This is the opposite! It means something is 100% certain and there is no possible way it could be wrong.
Yes, it sounds professional. It shows you are being careful and not making assumptions without proof.
Absolutely. Adding a lot of or plenty of emphasizes that you are very skeptical of the claim.
In this context, room means 'opportunity' or 'possibility'. It's like saying there is 'space' in your mind for a different idea.
Yes, it is used across all major English dialects, though it might feel slightly more 'proper' or formal in the US.
The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition. Always use for—never say room of doubt or room to doubt.
Yes, it is very similar to the legal term reasonable doubt, which is the standard needed to convict someone of a crime.
Usually, no. Doubt is generally negative or neutral. You wouldn't say there is room for doubt about how much you love a delicious cake.
عبارات ذات صلة
Take it with a grain of salt
Don't completely believe something.
The jury is still out
A decision or conclusion hasn't been reached yet.
Open to interpretation
Can be understood in many different ways.
Fishy
Informal word for something that causes doubt or suspicion.
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