What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
doubtfully
Example
She looked at him doubtfully, unsure if she could trust him. [doubtfully: adverb]
Example
He spoke doubtfully about the chances of success for the project. [doubtfully: adverb]
uncertainly
Example
She walked uncertainly down the dark alley, afraid of what might be lurking in the shadows. [uncertainly: adverb]
Example
He spoke uncertainly about his future plans, unsure of what he wanted to do. [uncertainly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertainly is more commonly used than doubtfully in everyday language. Uncertainly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while doubtfully is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between doubtfully and uncertainly?
Doubtfully is more formal than uncertainly. It is often used in academic or professional writing to express skepticism or doubt about a particular idea or claim. Uncertainly, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
