harbor doubts

Meaning

To keep a feeling of uncertainty, hesitation, or disbelief in one's mind for a long time. It suggests that these doubts are kept private or hidden rather than spoken aloud immediately.

Examples

• Even though they signed the contract, she still harbored doubts about the partnership.

  Even though they signed the contract, she still harbored doubts about the partnership.

• He harbored doubts about his ability to complete the marathon.

  He harbored doubts about his ability to complete the marathon.

• Many citizens harbor doubts regarding the government's new economic policy.

  Many citizens harbor doubts regarding the government's new economic policy.

• I didn't want to harbor doubts, so I asked my doctor for a second opinion.

  I didn't want to harbor doubts, so I asked my doctor for a second opinion.

• She harbored doubts about moving to a new city, but she decided to take the risk anyway.

  She harbored doubts about moving to a new city, but she decided to take the risk anyway.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I harbor doubts on his honesty.

  ✓ I harbor doubts about his honesty.

  The standard preposition used after 'doubts' is 'about' or 'regarding', not 'on'.

• ✗ He is keeping doubts about the plan.

  ✓ He harbors doubts about the plan.

  While 'keeping' is understandable, 'harboring doubts' is the natural, formal collocation for holding onto secret uncertainties.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Although she smiled, she still ___ about the success of the project.

  💡 Kept uncertain feelings inside.

  Show answer

  harbored doubts

• It is natural to ___ when starting a completely new career.

  💡 To hold onto feelings of uncertainty.

  Show answer

  harbor doubts