play on the doubts vs play on the doubt

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Play on the doubts' is used when someone is intentionally using doubts to their advantage, while 'play on the doubt' is used when referring to a specific doubt or uncertainty. They are not directly comparable as they convey slightly different meanings.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 936 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to intentionally using doubts to one's advantage.

"play on the doubts"

This phrase is used when someone is deliberately exploiting doubts or uncertainties to achieve a certain goal or manipulate a situation.

Examples:

The politician tried to play on the doubts of the voters to win their support.
The marketing campaign was designed to play on the doubts consumers had about the competitor's product.
She knew how to play on the doubts of her colleagues to get what she wanted.
The movie director cleverly played on the doubts of the audience to create suspense.
The scam artist knew how to play on the doubts of his victims to deceive them.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 19, 2015 ... Everything is arranged to play on the doubts and weaknesses that exist in all of us. The BFC'er must not only beat the course to finish, but they ...
ments against aid, which could play on the doubts about aid and get some traction. However, propo- nents of aid should not fall prey to the belief that this.
Aug 5, 2015 ... ... Congress votes to block the deal it will only serve to play on the doubts and mistrust held by Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Nov 5, 2015 ... Mental disintegration – Advanced Australian battle tactic espoused by flinty-eyed skipper Steve Waugh designed to play on the doubts and ...

This phrase is correct and can be used when referring to a specific doubt or uncertainty.

"play on the doubt"

This phrase is used when talking about a particular doubt or uncertainty that is being manipulated or taken advantage of in a situation.

Examples:

The lawyer's argument was designed to play on the doubt the jury had about the defendant's alibi.
The salesperson tried to play on the doubt the customer had about the competitor's product.
Her decision to remain silent was a way to play on the doubt of her accusers.
The author's use of ambiguous language was a deliberate attempt to play on the doubt of the readers.
The team captain knew how to play on the doubt of the opposing team to gain an advantage.

Show examples from the web [+]

After all, one could play on the doubt, and this still happens today, that it was a question of two immigrants, two honest workers, and underline the nationalist and ...
Sep 10, 2000 ... There is often interesting palimpsesting of places, and the play on the doubt of the apostle St Thomas, on the artist (and poet's) self-doubt, is in ...

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play on the doubts vs play on the doubt