air of distrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of distrust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general atmosphere or feeling of suspicion or lack of trust among people in a particular situation. Example: "There was an air of distrust in the room as the team discussed the recent changes in management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Still, an air of distrust surrounds the U.S. cloud industry.

The New Yorker

He said insisting on a vote before the next Congress "creates an air of distrust".

The New York Times

But in such conditions – in the rarefied air of distrust and fear – any provocation can turn into a tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accusations of dishonesty and a subsequent air of distrust have derailed many previous attempts to find common ground between Washington and Pyongyang.

The Washington Post

While the air of distrust that initially surrounded Mr. Wang, a resident of nearby Cove Neck, has largely dissipated, there are still skeptics who believe the hamlet will rue the day the computer magnate began his buying spree.

The New York Times

There is a palpable air of distrust, cynicism, anger and despair that has permeated the world that our kids have inherited and they have every right to be wary of adults.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr Coolidge's hallmark was distrust of government.

The Economist

The air of growing distrust ended some relationships.

The New York Times

Our communication continued for a day or so, but although I felt I'd created a moment of friendship, an air of disaffection and distrust remained between us.

The Guardian - Music

The current political environment is riven with partisanship and the subsequent polarization of the country lends itself to an air of pessimism, cynicism, and distrust.

Huffington Post

"Rituals of distrust," I said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of distrust" to describe a situation where suspicion and lack of trust are noticeable but not explicitly stated. It's effective for setting a specific tone or mood.

Common error

While "air of distrust" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more direct and specific language to clearly articulate the nature and source of the distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of distrust" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a pervasive feeling or atmosphere characterized by a lack of trust. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase effectively sets a tone or mood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of distrust" effectively captures a palpable sense of suspicion and lack of trust within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it is especially prevalent in news and media, signifying its usefulness in portraying tense or uncertain situations. Alternative phrases such as "atmosphere of mistrust" or "climate of suspicion" can be used to convey similar meanings, but "air of distrust" uniquely encapsulates the intangible feeling permeating the environment. To use it effectively, it's best to avoid overusing it in formal writing. Finally, remember the key message: use "air of distrust" to create a sense of unease or foreboding, painting a vivid picture of a world marked by skepticism and uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

climate of suspicion

Focuses on the overall prevailing attitude rather than a specific feeling or environment.

atmosphere of mistrust

Emphasizes the general feeling and pervading mood of a lack of trust in a particular setting or situation.

feeling of skepticism

Highlights the presence of doubt and questioning rather than a complete absence of trust.

sense of unease

Indicates a feeling of discomfort and anxiety, often stemming from underlying distrust.

undercurrent of suspicion

Suggests a hidden or less obvious feeling of doubt or mistrust present beneath the surface.

general mistrust

Highlights the broader state or condition of not trusting, moving away from the specific 'air' or feeling.

pervasive distrust

Emphasizes that the distrust is widespread and affects many aspects of a situation or relationship.

palpable tension

Focuses on tension that can be sensed because of a current/previous problem.

environment of cynicism

Replaces distrust with cynicism, suggesting a belief that people are generally motivated by self-interest.

culture of doubt

This replace distrust with doubt, focuses on an environment/culture.

FAQs

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

You can use "air of distrust" to describe an atmosphere or feeling of suspicion. For example, "There was an "air of distrust" in the negotiation room after the leaked documents".

What is a more formal alternative to "air of distrust"?

More formal alternatives include "climate of suspicion" or "atmosphere of mistrust". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is "air of distrust" interchangeable with "sense of unease"?

While both phrases describe negative feelings, "air of distrust" specifically implies a lack of trust, while "sense of unease" suggests a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

What contributes to an "air of distrust" in a workplace?

Factors contributing to an "air of distrust" might include lack of transparency, inconsistent policies, or unresolved conflicts among team members.