a mistrust of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mistrust of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. Example: "There is a growing mistrust of the government among the citizens due to recent scandals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This is simply a mistrust of government.

The New York Times

Mexican rule had given them a mistrust of distant power.

The Economist

"We shared a mistrust of psychiatry," Mr. Ronson writes.

The New York Times - Books

And each book also displays a mistrust of Chinese immigrants.

The New Yorker

One reason, many say, was a mistrust of conventional banks.

The New York Times

Part of the explanation lies in a mistrust of current valuations.

The New York Times

They have in common with other populist movements a mistrust of elites and mainstream media.

The Economist

Female parliamentarians responded that their colleagues were expressing a mistrust of women.

The New York Times

But he said he also believed it was about something broader: a mistrust of large institutions.

The New York Times

These important works of theatre reflect social and political malaise and a mistrust of hierarchies.

The Guardian

Yet there remains, across the cultural sector, a mistrust of the B word.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mistrust of", clearly specify the object of mistrust to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "There is a general mistrust", specify "There is a general "mistrust of" government institutions".

Common error

Avoid using "a mistrust of" without specifying the subject or context. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always clarify what the mistrust is directed towards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mistrust of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a general feeling of doubt, suspicion, or lack of confidence towards a particular entity or concept, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mistrust of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a lack of confidence or belief in something. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that this phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. While "a mistrust of" is widely accepted, it is crucial to specify the object of mistrust to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a distrust of" or "a lack of faith in" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distrust of

Direct synonym, focusing on the absence of trust.

a doubt about

Directly indicates a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

a lack of faith in

Emphasizes a deficiency in belief or confidence.

a suspicion of

Highlights a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is untrustworthy.

a lack of confidence in

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance or certainty.

a skepticism towards

Highlights a questioning attitude or doubt about something.

a wariness about

Suggests caution and a degree of apprehension.

a reservation regarding

Indicates a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about something.

an apprehension about

Highlights anxiety or fear about a future event or situation.

a cynicism regarding

Emphasizes a belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

FAQs

How can I use "a mistrust of" in a sentence?

You can use "a mistrust of" to express a lack of confidence or belief in something. For example, "The public has "a mistrust of" the media" or "There is "a mistrust of" the new policy among employees".

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

While "a mistrust of" and "a distrust of" are often used interchangeably, "mistrust" can sometimes imply a feeling based on intuition or suspicion, while "distrust" might be based on more concrete evidence or past experiences. However, in most contexts, the difference is negligible.

What are some alternatives to "a mistrust of"?

Alternatives include "a lack of faith in", "a suspicion of", or "a skepticism towards" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a mistrust for" instead of "a mistrust of"?

While less common, "a mistrust for" is grammatically acceptable, but "a mistrust of" is the more standard and widely used phrasing. Stick to "a mistrust of" for clarity and broader acceptance.