Meaning
To decide to believe someone is telling the truth, even though you’re not sure
Primary Function
Phrase
Communicative Purpose
To express provisional trust
Pattern
the benefit of the doubt
Core Structure
the benefit of the doubt
Função primária
Phrase
Propósito comunicativo
To express provisional trust
Situações de gatilho
Relationships, investigations, judgements
Contextos
Everyday, professional, legal
Padrão
the benefit of the doubt
Estrutura central
the benefit of the doubt
Slots de substituição
object can vary: give her the benefit of the doubt
Colocados típicos
- give
- grant
- allow
- deserve
Substituições comuns
- trust
- believe
Erros comuns
doubt benefit (word order)
Similar / contraste
take at face value, give a chance
Interferências
‘Benefit’ here means favourable presumption.
Família do chunk
- take on trust
- give a trial
- assume good faith
Nuance
Generous, fair-minded.
Efeito pragmático
Signals goodwill and caution.
Dica de memória
I’m not sure, but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Nota
The phrase is idiomatic and conveys a decision to trust someone's statement, even when there is some uncertainty.
Upgrade path
trust → believe → extend the benefit of the doubt
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