a distrust of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distrust of the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of suspicion or lack of trust towards a person, group, or concept. Example: "There is a growing distrust of the government among the citizens due to recent scandals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A distrust of the government".

The New York Times - Health

Logic didn't govern here, a distrust of the foreign did.

The Guardian - Opinion

A distrust of the medical establishment has also fueled skepticism about vaccines.

The New York Times - Health

His virtues are his decency and doggedness, combined with a distrust of the easy answer.

The New York Times - Books

Young children are naturally neophobic — they have a distrust of the new.

The New York Times - Health

She has a distrust of the big words - like love, loyalty.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The portrayal of prisoners as incorrigible animals contributed to a distrust of prisoners; the erosion of hard-won prison reforms; and the modern era of mass incarceration.

The New York Times

The friction between them highlighted a problem beyond a distrust of outsiders: the fractured nature of American health care.

The New York Times - Magazine

[There's] a distrust of emotion and the way it sits with intelligence.

Huffington Post

Within puritanism, there is a distrust of centralised authority in the guise of the Catholic church.

The Guardian - Music

But in that case, too, there was a distrust of local officials, especially the police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a distrust of the", ensure the object of distrust is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a distrust of the government" rather than leaving it open to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a distrust of the" to make sweeping generalizations about entire groups or concepts. Nuance is key; specify the particular aspects or instances that warrant distrust rather than painting with a broad brush.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distrust of the" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a feeling of skepticism or lack of confidence towards a particular entity or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distrust of the" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a lack of confidence or faith in something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register allows it to appear in diverse contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed to express skepticism or doubt. Related phrases, such as "a lack of faith in the" and "a skepticism toward the", offer alternative ways to communicate similar sentiments while possibly adjusting the nuance. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lack of faith in the

Replaces "distrust" with "lack of faith", emphasizing a deficiency in belief or confidence.

a skepticism toward the

Substitutes "distrust" with "skepticism", highlighting a questioning or doubting attitude.

a suspicion about the

Replaces "distrust" with "suspicion", suggesting a feeling of doubt or mistrust based on incomplete evidence.

a wariness regarding the

Changes "distrust" to "wariness", indicating caution and a lack of complete trust.

a lack of confidence in the

Replaces "distrust" with "lack of confidence", focusing on a deficiency in self-assurance or certainty.

a reservation about the

Substitutes "distrust" with "reservation", indicating a feeling of unease or doubt.

a cynicism concerning the

Changes "distrust" to "cynicism", highlighting a belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

an apprehension about the

Replaces "distrust" with "apprehension", suggesting anxiety or fear about what might happen.

a guardedness toward the

Substitutes "distrust" with "guardedness", indicating a cautious and reserved approach.

a questioning of the

Changes "distrust" to "questioning", highlighting an act of inquiry or doubt about something.

FAQs

How can I use "a distrust of the" in a sentence?

You can use "a distrust of the" to express a lack of faith or confidence in something. For example, "There is a growing "a distrust of the" media among the public."

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

Alternatives to "a distrust of the" include phrases like "a lack of faith in the", "a skepticism toward the", or "a suspicion about the".

Is it better to say "distrust in" or "distrust of"?

"Distrust of" is generally preferred and more common than "distrust in" when referring to a general lack of confidence or faith. However, both can be grammatically correct depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a distrust of the" and "a lack of trust in the"?

While similar, "a distrust of the" often implies a more active feeling of suspicion or doubt, whereas "a lack of trust in the" simply indicates an absence of confidence. The difference is subtle, but "distrust" carries a slightly stronger negative connotation than "lack of trust".