To cast doubt on
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
字面意思: To throw or toss a feeling of uncertainty onto something.
Use this phrase to elegantly suggest that a statement or plan might not be true or effective.
15秒了解
- Make someone question if something is actually true or reliable.
- Use it to politely challenge an idea with new evidence.
- Think of it as throwing a shadow over a clear fact.
意思
When you say something that makes people stop believing a story or a fact. It is like throwing a shadow over a clear picture so it looks blurry.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a news story with a friend
The new evidence really casts doubt on the senator's original story.
The new evidence really makes people question the senator's original story.
In a professional business meeting
I hate to be the pessimist, but these low sales figures cast doubt on our expansion plan.
These sales figures make our expansion plan look like a bad idea.
Texting about a flaky friend
Him 'forgetting' his wallet for the third time really casts doubt on his honesty!
Him forgetting his wallet makes me think he is lying.
文化背景
The phrase draws on the metaphor of light and shadow, where 'light' is truth and 'doubt' is a shadow cast upon it. It is deeply rooted in the English legal tradition of 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' making it a staple of courtroom dramas and political discourse. It reflects a cultural value placed on skepticism and the need for empirical evidence.
The 'Evidence' Rule
Always try to mention *why* you are casting doubt. Use it like: 'The [Evidence] casts doubt on [The Claim].' It makes you sound much more logical.
Don't 'Cast Doubts'
Commonly, 'doubt' is kept singular in this phrase. While 'cast doubts' (plural) is sometimes used, 'cast doubt' sounds more natural to native speakers.
15秒了解
- Make someone question if something is actually true or reliable.
- Use it to politely challenge an idea with new evidence.
- Think of it as throwing a shadow over a clear fact.
What It Means
To cast doubt on is a powerful way to say you are making something look suspicious. Imagine a bright spotlight on a stage. That is a 'fact.' Now, imagine you throw a heavy, dark blanket over it. That is what you do when you cast doubt. You aren't necessarily saying 'this is a lie.' You are saying 'maybe we shouldn't trust this.' It is about creating a tiny crack in a glass window. Eventually, the whole thing might break.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you have evidence or a really strong feeling. It usually follows a specific structure: [Something] casts doubt on [Something else]. For example, 'The rain casts doubt on our picnic plans.' It sounds very sophisticated. It makes you sound like a detective in a movie. You can use it for big things like science or small things like gossip.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be persuasive but polite. It is perfect for a meeting when a colleague has a bad idea. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' you say, 'This data casts doubt on your theory.' It is also great for true crime fans. You might say a new witness casts doubt on the suspect's alibi. Use it when you want people to think twice.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple 'no' situations. If your friend asks if you want pizza, don't say 'I cast doubt on my hunger.' That is just weird. Also, avoid it in very high-energy arguments where people are shouting. This is a 'thinking' phrase, not a 'shouting' phrase. It requires a bit of a cool head. If you use it while eating a messy taco, the effect is lost.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the old English idea of 'casting' as throwing something, like a fishing line or a shadow. In Western culture, we value 'reasonable doubt' in our legal systems. Because of this, the phrase feels very 'official' and 'intellectual.' It suggests that the truth is something we have to protect. It became very popular in journalism and politics during the 20th century.
Common Variations
You might hear people say raise doubts or throw shade. Raise doubts is a bit softer. Throw shade is very modern slang and much more personal. To cast doubt stays right in the middle. It is elegant and timeless. You can also say it casts a shadow of doubt, which is even more dramatic. Use that one if you want to feel like you're in a Victorian novel.
使用说明
This is a C2-level expression because it requires an understanding of nuance. It is most frequently found in journalism, academic writing, and formal debates. Avoid using it for trivial, everyday disagreements unless you are being intentionally humorous.
The 'Evidence' Rule
Always try to mention *why* you are casting doubt. Use it like: 'The [Evidence] casts doubt on [The Claim].' It makes you sound much more logical.
Don't 'Cast Doubts'
Commonly, 'doubt' is kept singular in this phrase. While 'cast doubts' (plural) is sometimes used, 'cast doubt' sounds more natural to native speakers.
The British Understatement
In the UK, this is a favorite way to call someone a liar without actually using the word 'liar.' It's the ultimate polite 'I don't believe you.'
例句
6The new evidence really casts doubt on the senator's original story.
The new evidence really makes people question the senator's original story.
Used here to discuss public credibility.
I hate to be the pessimist, but these low sales figures cast doubt on our expansion plan.
These sales figures make our expansion plan look like a bad idea.
A polite way to criticize a business strategy.
Him 'forgetting' his wallet for the third time really casts doubt on his honesty!
Him forgetting his wallet makes me think he is lying.
Using a formal phrase in a text adds a layer of sarcasm.
Recent findings cast doubt on the long-held theory regarding climate patterns.
Recent findings suggest the old theory about climate might be wrong.
Standard academic usage for challenging old ideas.
Finding those messages on his phone cast doubt on everything he told me.
Finding those messages made me question everything he said.
Used to express a loss of trust in a personal setting.
The dark clouds over the stadium cast doubt on whether the game will start on time.
The dark clouds make it look unlikely the game will start.
Using 'cast' literally and figuratively here.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the phrase in a professional context.
The CFO's resignation has ___ doubt on the company's future stability.
While 'thrown' is understood, 'cast doubt' is the standard, idiomatic collocation used in English.
Complete the sentence to express skepticism about a claim.
His lack of experience ___ doubt on his ability to lead this project.
We use the present tense 'casts' to describe a current state of uncertainty.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Spectrum of Skepticism
I don't buy it.
Talking to a sibling.
I'm not so sure about that.
Chatting with a neighbor.
This casts doubt on the matter.
Writing a report or in a meeting.
Where to Cast Doubt
Courtroom
The witness testimony.
Science Lab
An old hypothesis.
Office
A risky budget proposal.
Dating
An obvious excuse.
常见问题
10 个问题In this specific phrase, yes, but 'cast' is much more formal. You wouldn't say throw doubt in a serious essay; you would always use cast.
Yes, you can cast doubt on someone's character. It means you are making people wonder if that person is actually good or honest.
It is a bit fancy for a casual chat, but it works great if you want to sound serious or slightly dramatic. For example, Your messy room casts doubt on your claim that you cleaned today!
The past tense of 'cast' is still 'cast.' So you would say, 'Yesterday, the news cast doubt on the story.' Do not say 'casted'!
Usually, yes. You are challenging the truth of something. However, in science, casting doubt is seen as a positive part of finding the real truth.
It is almost always cast doubt on. Using 'about' sounds slightly clunky and less idiomatic to a native speaker's ear.
Very much so. Lawyers often try to cast doubt on the prosecution's evidence to protect their clients.
Questioning is an action you take. Casting doubt is the effect your words have on other people's minds.
Both! A person can cast doubt by speaking, or a piece of evidence (like a receipt) can cast doubt on its own.
No, it just means it is no longer certain. It creates a 'maybe' where there used to be a 'yes'.
相关表达
Call into question
To make something appear uncertain or needing examination.
Take with a grain of salt
To not completely believe something because it might be exaggerated.
Poke holes in
To find the weak points or flaws in an argument or story.
Debunk
To prove that a common belief or claim is actually false.
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