Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score – Key Word: Doubt

Collocations are natural word pairings that help you sound more fluent and accurate in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests. Today’s key word is “doubt.” Understanding how to use it correctly with verbs, determiners, adjectives, and common expressions will help you express uncertainty or skepticism clearly and naturally.

What Does “Doubt” Mean?

“Doubt” is a noun and a verb used to show uncertainty or lack of belief in something.

• As a noun: “There is no doubt about her talent.”
• As a verb: “I doubt he’ll come today.”

In IELTS Writing or Speaking, you often need to express hesitation or question facts. Using collocations with “doubt” will make your responses sound natural and academic.

Verb + Doubt Collocations

Exercise 1

Use the correct form of these verbs:
cast – confirm – have (x2) – raise – remove

1. The latest accident on the London to Norwich line has _______ serious doubts about the safety of the braking system on the new trains.
2. An order for two new ships for the navy has _______ any doubts about the shipyard’s future.
3. New evidence has emerged since the trial that _______ doubt on the guilty verdict.
4. I’m _______ doubts about taking the job in Paris – maybe I’ll just stay here where I’m comfortable.
5. The painting didn’t look authentic. An examination by an expert has _______ our doubts.
6. I _______ no doubt whatsoever that William will be a great leader and an asset to the company.

Answer Key:

1. raised  2. removed  3. casts  4. having  5. confirmed  6. have

Useful Tip: In IELTS Writing Task 2, use expressions like “Recent studies have raised doubts about…” to introduce opposing opinions naturally.

Determiner + Doubt Collocations

Exercise 2

Use these words to complete the sentences:
any – my – no (x2) – some

1. _______ doubt cod liver oil is very good for you, but I just don’t like the taste of it!
2. Our son, Alan, is still in _______ doubt about whether to go to university or not.
3. Give me a ring if you’re in _______ doubt about how to use the new software.
4. They say they’ll be here by eight, but I have _______ doubts!
5. There was _______ doubt in my mind that he was lying. I could tell by his shifty eyes.

Answer Key:

1. No  2. some  3. any  4. my  5. no

IELTS Tip: Expressions like “There’s no doubt that…” are perfect for introducing clear opinions in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Example: There’s no doubt that technology has transformed the way we live and communicate.

Common Expressions with “Doubt”

Exercise 3

Use these expressions to complete the sentences:
in doubt – no doubt about it – open to doubt – without doubt – beyond all reasonable doubt

1. David Beckham is _______ one of the most famous football players in the world today.
2. If _______ consult your doctor before continuing with this medication.
3. Whether they can finish the bridge on time is still _______.
4. The prosecution’s task in a court case is to establish a person’s guilt _______.
5. Crolla’s makes the best ice cream in town. ______________ !

Answer Key:

1. without doubt  2. in doubt  3. open to doubt  4. beyond all reasonable doubt  5. no doubt about it

IELTS Tip: Use “without doubt” or “beyond all doubt” to express confidence:

• Without doubt, education is the key to a country’s progress.

Adjective + Doubt Collocations

Exercise 4

Complete the sentences with these adjectives:
slightest – serious – niggling – grave – lingering – growing

1. After watching Bob’s disastrous lesson, I have _______ doubts that he’ll qualify as a teacher.
2. I haven’t the _______ doubt that James will pass. He’s one of the best in the class.
3. I’ve had _______ doubts about Michael. I can’t put my finger on it. I just feel something isn’t right.
4. Although he was found not guilty of murder, there are still _______ doubts about his innocence.
5. I’ve been having _______ doubts about taking that job in Singapore. I think I’m too old to be going abroad again.
6. What do you think about this plan to open up in Scandinavia? – I’ve got _______ doubts about it myself. It’s a notoriously difficult market for outsiders.

Answer Key:

1. serious  2. slightest  3. niggling  4. lingering  5. growing  6. grave

IELTS Tip: When writing essays, you can use adjectives to express uncertainty subtly:

• There are lingering doubts about the effectiveness of this policy.
• Many have grave doubts regarding the government’s approach.

Why Learning “Doubt” Collocations is Important for IELTS?

Using collocations like “cast doubt on” or “beyond reasonable doubt” adds precision and depth to your language.

• In Writing Task 2, these phrases make your argument sound formal and academic.
• In Speaking Part 3, they help you express nuanced opinions naturally.

For example: Some people have raised doubts about whether social media truly connects people. I personally believe it depends on how it’s used.

When learning new vocabulary, always focus on collocations, not just individual words. Practice them in sentences and use them in your IELTS Writing and Speaking answers. Remember that natural phrasing, not complex words, gets you a higher band score. For those aiming for top scores, following the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ can further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Space
• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Size
• Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score - Key Word: decision 
• Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score - Key Word: a series of
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 1
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 2)
• Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS