I doubt you have seen an English lesson dealing with this point before, so I’ve decided to write this today. Actually, this lesson was inspired by one of my readers from Brazil. He wanted to ask me a question, but he said, “I have a doubt about….” Today, let’s have a look at the difference between these two words.
We use doubt as a noun to mean, “a feeling of uncertainty.” We generally use the verb have with doubt.
- She said she loves me, but I have some doubts about her feelings.
- Jack said he has some doubts about his ability to finish the project by Friday.
- I have no doubt that the people who read this website are very interested in improving their English.
We also use doubt as a verb with the meaning of, “to feel uncertain about ~” or “to not believe~”
- She said she loves me, but I doubt she is telling me the truth. I don’t believe she really loves me.
- After many years believing in his church’s teachings, Jim has started to doubt what they say. Jack has started to not believe what they say.
- Jack said he doubts his ability to finish the project by Friday. Jack is uncertain about his ability…
- I don’t doubt that the people who read this website are very interested in improving their English. I have no uncertain feelings about the readers of this website.
We use question as a noun to mean “a statement made to obtain information:”
- I asked her a question about her love for me.
- Jack has several questions about the project which is due on Friday.
- If you have any questions about this lesson, or any other lesson on this blog, please feel free to ask me.
We use question as a verb to mean, “to ask questions in order to obtain information” or “to as questions in order to clear up doubt.” This use of the verb question is often used in formal or official situations:
- The police questioned the suspect for several hours. ~ in order to obtain information.
- The boss questioned Jack about the project he is working on. ~ in order to obtain information.
- I questioned her love for me, and she became angry.
- I have never questioned my reader’s support of this website.
In summary, when you want to obtain information by asking, use question. Question refers to an action; the action of questioning. However, doubt refers to a feeling. When you feel uncertain about something, use doubt:
- I have a question. How many lessons are here on this website?
- I have some doubts about his ability to finish the project. He’s not such a quick worker.
If you know anyone who might be interested in this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them. Thanks for studying today!
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Comments 3
While it is correct that “We use doubt as a noun to mean ‘a feeling of uncertainty’, it does not get to the heart of the difference between “I have a question” and “I have a doubt”. “I have a question” shows uncertainty about facts or information. “I have a doubt” questions the truth or veracity of something.
In the example “She said she loves me, but I have some doubts about her feelings”, I think she might not be telling me the truth.
If I say “I have some questions about her feelings”, I am saying that I’m not sure about her feelings, but not that I’m questioning her veracity.
If it’s a simple question of uncertainty about facts or information, a good translation of “tenho uma dúvida” or “tengo una duda” is “I’m not sure about ____.” For example, “I’m not sure about the meaning of this word” or “I’m not sure when the meeting starts.”
Author
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your explanation.
That is also a common mistake among Spanish students.
It happens because “I have a question” and “I have a doubt” share the same translation in Spanish, even though they refer to two different things.