- I have a doubt that needs to be cleared up.
- I have a doubt that needs clearing up.
- I have a doubt that needs clarification.
Please correct and comment.
Thanks.
I have a query that needs to be cleared up.
I have a question that needs clearing up.
I have an uncertainty that needs clarification.
As has been indicated to you many times before, using ‘have a doubt’ in the way you do is ‘Indian English’ only. The 3 synonyms given are not the only options.
Are you saying that ‘Indian English’ is out of bounds?
No, I’m saying it’s ‘Indian English’.
I’m sorry to say that you are wrong. You can hear it in Asian countries. So it’s not confined to InE alone.
In that case, ‘Asian English’. In any event it isn’t used that way as ‘standard English’ in the UK and is also unlikely in the US.
This ELU(English Language & Usage) site says that it does occur in Indian English.
is.gd/h3vo1N
The use in non-first language speaking communities probably arose because of the variety of options regarding the word.
Because doubt is an old word (the OED attests it from 1225) there are a number of nuances of meaning. In summary:
1 A subjective state of uncertainty about the truth or reality of something;
2 (plural) A feeling of uncertainty as to something;
3 The condition of being objectively uncertain;
4 A state of affairs which gives rise to uncertainty;
5 A matter or point involved in uncertainty; a difficulty (Obsolete);
6 Apprehension, dread, fear (Obsolete);
7 A thing to be dreaded; danger, risk (Obsolete).
As a singular noun, it is decidedly abstract and refers to a state of being. Thus one can be in doubt about something. As a mass noun referring to a state of being, doubt would not normally be pluralised.
When it refers to a particular feeling of uncertainty it is pluralised. Thus if one has that feeling, one has doubts. One does not “have a doubt” because the singular doubt refers to a state of being; senses 5, 6 and 7 which refer to particular things are obsolete in Standard English.
The uses which are obsolete in Standard English may have survived or been resurrected in other dialects.
You needn’t have explained it so much. People like me are not in favour of that usage. I only wanted to let you know the fact. As Alan says, there is no ‘out of bounds’ for any variety of English including the AmE. No further arguments or justifications are necessary.
Oh, good grief! There is no pleasing some people. Make up your mind. You moan constantly that you expect full explanation and justification.
I’m not sure why you mention AmE. I wonder if you possibly meant ‘InE’. I had already indicated that I don’t think InE is ‘out of bounds’. I do think it’s important to indicate where it varies from the commonly accepted modern forms used in English first language countries though, as we do have learners of many nationalities here.
UNDERSTAND THIS:
That’s the end of it. Don’t try to impose your immature verdict that it is InE. Don’t talk about things you do not know for certain. I just said it was not confined to India alone. I wonder why it should itch you then. You needn’t brag about my mentioning Alan’s name. When you deserve it I’ll refer to yours too. You can be happy then. By the way, why don’t you comment when I disagree with Alan?
Calm down, dear.
Perhaps you ought to re-read the thread and look carefully for the part where you think I ‘brag* about you mentioning Alan’s name’. You seem to be on some other planet, I’m afraid!
*As an aside, your use of ‘brag’ with your intended meaning is completely inappropriate there.
Don’t groan. Read my comment as well, again. Look for what a I mean by a particular word or statement. Don’t simply take only the meaning that is comfortable to you. I know (and, perhaps, many others too) you don’t brook me paying compliments to that gentleman. Sorry, I can’t help it. (Now you may know that I have answered your comment point-wise)
Aside from misinterpreting a lot of what’s been said, you really do seem to be making up your own little set of facts.
So do you.