doubtless
[dˈaʊtləs] /ˈdau̇t-ləs/ (ame, mw) · /ˈdaʊtləs/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈaʊtləs] /ˈdaʊtləs/ (ame, ipa)
doubtless — adjective
- doubtlesspositive
- more doubtlesscomparative
- most doubtlesssuperlative
1. used about a fact, conclusion, or situation that is so clearly true that no reas
used about a fact, conclusion, or situation that is so clearly true that no reasonable person could question it.
After the DNA evidence confirmed a match, the suspect's guilt was doubtless.
predicative: be + doubtless
The ancient scroll's authenticity was doubtless once the lab dated it to the eighth century.
subject + be + doubtless
For the valley farmers, the link between the drought and the failed harvest was doubtless.
The historian considered the letter's origin doubtless after examining the ink and handwriting.
- undoubted
the more common attributive form; placed before a noun
- unquestionable
emphasises that the truth is beyond any challenge
- certain
more general and less formal; used in everyday speech
文法句型
be + doubtless
用法筆記
This adjective is used predicatively (after 'be') or as an object complement. It is rarely placed before a noun in modern English.
常見錯誤
doubtless — adverb
1. used to emphasise that you are completely sure that something is true or will ha
used to emphasise that you are completely sure that something is true or will happen; with no doubt at all.
Doubtless you have heard about the plans to build a new community centre.
sentence adverb at start of clause
Anyone who tasted the soup would doubtless agree that it needed more salt.
position after modal verb 'would'
The results of the investigation will doubtless be published in next month's safety report.
Doubtless the school administration will inform parents before making any major changes.
- undoubtedly
interchangeable in most cases; very similar in formality
- without doubt
longer phrase used for extra emphasis
- certainly
more common in everyday speech; slightly less formal
- uncertainly
suggests lack of confidence; less common
- doubtfully
with hesitation or scepticism
文法句型
Doubtless + [clause]
subject + will/would + doubtless + [verb]
用法筆記
Typically used as a sentence adverb at the beginning of a statement, or placed after a modal verb like 'will' or 'would'. This sense expresses 100% certainty, unlike the second adverb sense.
常見錯誤
2. very likely; used when you think something is probably true or will probably hap
very likely; used when you think something is probably true or will probably happen, while acknowledging you cannot be absolutely certain.
Doubtless the hotel will be fully booked during the holiday weekend, so reserve early.
doubtless + will expressing a likely future event
The documentary is doubtless fascinating for science fans, though some may find it too technical.
Doubtless many families will choose to travel during the school break.
Eleni will doubtless feel nervous before her first piano recital, but she has practised hard.
- probably
more common; slightly less formal; same level of certainty
- in all likelihood
more formal; used in written English
- most likely
conversational; common in everyday speech
- unlikely
opposite in probability; expresses low chance of happening
文法句型
Doubtless + [clause]
subject + will/would + doubtless + [verb]
用法筆記
Distinguish from the first adverb sense: here the speaker leaves room for the possibility of being wrong. Often used when making a prediction or assumption about someone's feelings, behaviour, or a future event.