a deep distrust of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep distrust of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing a feeling of strong disbelief or suspicion towards someone or something. For example, "The residents showed a deep distrust of the new mayor's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is also a deep distrust of the political class.

Independent

"There is a deep distrust of Erdogan," says one American official.

The Economist

"As I get older, I have developed a deep distrust of architectural theory," Alsop told me.

The New Yorker

Naturally, the Cultural Revolution had given Wang a deep distrust of China's political system.

The New Yorker

They shared an aversion to the classics and a deep distrust of convention.

The New Yorker

His mother Mary had a deep distrust of milkmen, so kept a cow in her backyard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Experiences like Mr. Kabu's can have lasting effects, including a deep distrust of the medical system.

The New York Times

Republicans have a deep distrust of Mr. Obama and are certain their supporters do as well.

The New York Times

The public's grief is now mixed with a deep distrust of the government.

The New Yorker

Many advocates have a deep distrust of the state, which has for decades failed to adequately monitor lapses in care.

The New York Times

Slum dwellers have a deep distrust of the police, who are often seen as agents of the country's elite.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to convey the emotion behind the distrust, such as "harbor", "foster", or "exude" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep distrust of" without providing concrete examples or evidence. Overusing strong language without justification can weaken your argument and make you seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep distrust of" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong feeling of disbelief or suspicion towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It typically acts as the object of a verb or follows a preposition to express the target of the distrust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep distrust of" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong lack of confidence or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent appearance in News & Media. Its purpose is to communicate a negative sentiment and potential for conflict. To use this phrase effectively, ensure you provide context and evidence to support the feeling of distrust. Related phrases include "profound skepticism toward" and "intense suspicion of", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments. While appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to avoid overstatement and unfounded claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense suspicion of

Emphasizes the element of suspicion, highlighting a belief that someone may be involved in wrongdoing.

profound skepticism toward

Replaces "distrust" with "skepticism" and uses "toward" instead of "of", slightly altering the focus to doubt rather than complete lack of trust.

deep-seated skepticism regarding

Highlights the entrenched and long-held nature of the doubt or disbelief.

strong aversion to

Substitutes "distrust" with "aversion," indicating a feeling of intense dislike or opposition rather than suspicion.

inherent wariness of

Implies a cautiousness and alertness to potential dangers or problems, stemming from a basic distrust.

serious misgivings about

Replaces "distrust" with "misgivings," implying a sense of doubt or apprehension about something.

grave reservations regarding

Uses "reservations" instead of "distrust," suggesting a holding back or doubt about full acceptance or approval.

a fundamental lack of confidence in

Emphasizes the absence of trust or assurance, suggesting a more profound deficiency.

marked cynicism towards

Replaces "distrust" with "cynicism", indicating a belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

significant lack of faith in

Focuses on the absence of belief or confidence, rather than a negative feeling.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a deep distrust of" in a sentence?

To use "a deep distrust of" effectively, clearly identify the subject experiencing the distrust and the object of their distrust. For example, "The community had "a deep distrust of" the corporation due to its environmental record".

What are some alternatives to "a deep distrust of"?

You can use alternatives like "profound skepticism toward", "strong aversion to", or "intense suspicion of depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it appropriate to use "a deep distrust of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deep distrust of" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you need to express a strong sense of disbelief or suspicion. However, ensure that your claim is supported by evidence.

What's the difference between ""a deep distrust of"" and "a slight distrust of"?

"A deep distrust of" indicates a strong and profound lack of trust, while "a slight distrust of" suggests a mild or minor lack of trust. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.