英语短语 "be doubtful about" 的核心含义是 "对……感到怀疑;对……有疑虑",表达说话者对某事物的真实性、可行性、可靠性或某人的能力等持有不确定或不信任的态度。
"be doubtful about" 是系表结构(be动词 + 形容词doubtful + 介词about),其中 about 是介词,后接名词、代词、动名词(doing)或宾语从句,作怀疑的对象。
直接引出怀疑的具体对象(人、物、事件等)。
She is doubtful about the new manager's experience.(她对新任经理的经验有疑虑。)
I'm doubtful about this solution—does it really work?(我对这个解决方案有怀疑——它真的有效吗?)
Are you doubtful about him? He seems trustworthy.(你对他有疑虑吗?他看起来很可靠。)
表示对"做某事"的可行性或合理性有疑虑。
He's doubtful about quitting his job without another offer.(他对没找到下家就辞职这件事有疑虑。)
I'm doubtful about going to the party alone—what if I don't know anyone?(我对独自去派对有疑虑——要是我谁都不认识怎么办?)
需注意:
肯定句中,从句常用 whether/if 引导(表示"是否");
否定句中,从句常用 that 引导(表示"不怀疑")。
She's doubtful about whether she can finish the project on time.(她怀疑自己能否按时完成项目。)
I'm not doubtful about that he will keep his promise.(我不怀疑他会遵守诺言。)
主语通常是人:"be doubtful about" 的主语一般是"有疑虑的人",而不是物(若物作主语,常用 "sth. is doubtful",表示"某事值得怀疑",如 The plan is doubtful. 这个计划有问题)。
避免错误搭配:不能说 "be doubtful to do sth.",需用 "be doubtful about doing sth."(对做某事有疑虑)。
be skeptical about:更正式,强调"怀疑、质疑"(侧重对可信度的怀疑,如 Scientists are skeptical about the new theory. 科学家对这个新理论持怀疑态度)。
doubt sth./sb.:动词短语,直接接宾语(= be doubtful about sth./sb.),如 I doubt his honesty. = I'm doubtful about his honesty.(我怀疑他的诚实。)
总结:"be doubtful about" 是表达"怀疑"的常用短语,重点在于描述"对某对象的不确定状态",需根据后面的成分选择接名词、动名词或从句。