a trace of skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle feeling of doubt or disbelief about something. Example: "Her response contained a trace of skepticism, suggesting she wasn't fully convinced by his explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

A trace of perfume.

The Guardian

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

They're poetic, a trace of a trace".

The Guardian - Arts

A trace of an accent, perhaps.

BBC

Only a trace of reflection nebulosity remains.

Wikipedia

A trace of bile lingers.

Los Angeles Times

I retain a trace of optimism.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of skepticism" to subtly convey doubt or disbelief without being overtly critical or confrontational. It's ideal for nuanced communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of skepticism" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more direct or precise language may be preferred to maintain clarity and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of skepticism" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the presence of a small amount of doubt or disbelief. Even without direct examples, its structure and the general understanding of the constituent words confirm this.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trace of skepticism" is a noun phrase used to describe a small amount of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While the frequency of the phrase itself is rare, similar phrases like "a hint of doubt" or "a touch of disbelief" are more common. It is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, subtly conveying uncertainty. When using the phrase, consider whether a more direct expression might be necessary for clarity, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of doubt

Focuses on the presence of doubt, minimizing the subtlety.

a touch of disbelief

Highlights the lack of belief rather than the underlying doubt.

a shade of uncertainty

Emphasizes the lack of certainty, similar to doubt but slightly broader.

a suggestion of incredulity

Indicates disbelief, potentially stronger than skepticism in some contexts.

a whisper of suspicion

Implies a degree of distrust, adding a negative connotation.

a glimmer of mistrust

Focuses on lack of trust, adding emotional coloring.

a faint reservation

Highlights the reluctance or holding back, stemming from doubt.

a small degree of cynicism

Suggests a more entrenched negative attitude than simple skepticism.

a modicum of disbelief

Stresses a small quantity of disbelief, more formal.

a soupçon of doubt

Uses a French term to indicate a very slight amount of doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "a trace of skepticism" in a sentence?

You can use "a trace of skepticism" to indicate a slight amount of doubt or disbelief. For example: "Her response contained a trace of skepticism, suggesting she wasn't fully convinced by his explanation."

What can I say instead of "a trace of skepticism"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of doubt", "a touch of disbelief", or "a shade of uncertainty depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a trace of skepticism" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider if a more direct or precise expression of doubt would be clearer and more effective in a formal context.

What's the difference between "a trace of skepticism" and "a healthy dose of skepticism"?

"A trace of skepticism" implies a small amount of doubt, whereas "a healthy dose of skepticism" suggests a more significant and deliberate level of doubt or critical evaluation.