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Jackson6612 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Mr. John, do you think it would make a difference? I doubt it would.

Hi

I'm confused about the use of the phrase "I doubt" which many a time occurs at the beginning of sentences. Let me explain myself with a specific example.

Mr. John, do you think it would make a difference? I doubt it would.

Does the speaker mean that in his opinion there are chances that it will not succeed in making a difference?

Please help me with it. Thank you.

Regards

Jackson
  

Top answer

Your assesement is correct. The person answering the question is stating that they do not think that "it" would make a difference. Expressing dobut is not an absolute negation; rather, he is stating that it is unlikely (probability is low) that a difference would be made.

— SgtSchultz

  • Your assesement is correct.
  • The person answering the question is stating that they do not think that "it" would make a difference.
  • Expressing dobut is not an absolute negation; rather, he is stating that it is unlikely (probability is low) that a difference would be made.
  • " The response could have been more formally stated as "I do not believe it would", but "I doubt it would" would be a more common, and less formal way of expressing the same sentiment.
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2 Answers
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Your assesement is correct. The person answering the question is stating that they do not think that "it" would make a difference.

Expressing dobut is not an absolute negation; rather, he is stating that it is unlikely (probability is low) that a difference would be made.

If the respondent wished to state in absolute terms that no difference would be made, he might
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Thank you, Sgt, and welcome to the forums. I hope you like it.

Best wishes

Jackson
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