What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
qualm
Example
I had a qualm about lying to my friend. [qualm: noun]
Example
She felt a qualm in her stomach after eating the expired food. [qualm: noun]
Example
He had qualms about taking the job because it was for a tobacco company. [qualms: plural noun]
doubt
Example
I doubt that he will show up on time. [doubt: verb]
Example
There is some doubt about the accuracy of the data. [doubt: noun]
Example
I have my doubts about his ability to finish the project on time. [doubts: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doubt is more commonly used than qualm in everyday language. Doubt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while qualm is less common and refers to a specific type of hesitation or concern.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between qualm and doubt?
Both qualm and doubt can be used in formal and informal contexts, but qualm may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage.
