am skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am skeptical of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about something or someone. Example: "I am skeptical of the claims made in the advertisement regarding the product's effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am skeptical of the market".

The New York Times

This is why I am skeptical of the label.

The New York Times

I am skeptical of such ideas, for reasons I outlined here and here.

The Washington Post

I am skeptical of reports saying that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt was forced to resign.

The Washington Post

I am skeptical of his choice to do so for his body of work as well.

The New Yorker

"I can tell you I am skeptical of some of the things he has said," the judge said.

The New York Times

"It's a good thing and a blessed thing to forgive, but I am skeptical of any universal sentiment," he said.

The New York Times

I am skeptical of international unions that tie us up and bring America down and will never enter.

The New York Times

As I've noted before (see also here and here), I am skeptical of the argument for standing.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm skeptical of skeptics, too".

Vice

Be skeptical of the intelligence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing skepticism, clearly state the object of your doubt. This provides context and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I am skeptical," specify "I am skeptical of the proposed budget cuts".

Common error

While appropriate in many settings, using "I am skeptical of" too frequently in casual conversations can sound overly formal or critical. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "I doubt it" or "I'm not sure about that" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am skeptical of" functions as a subject complement, expressing the speaker's or writer's doubt or disbelief regarding a particular subject. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase frequently qualifies a statement, injecting a degree of uncertainty or questioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "am skeptical of" is a versatile expression used to convey doubt, reservation, or uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While very common, it's important to use it judiciously in informal situations where more casual alternatives might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "doubtful about" or "question the validity of" to add nuance to your expression of skepticism. When using "am skeptical of", ensure you clearly articulate what you are doubting for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful about

Emphasizes a state of uncertainty or disbelief regarding something.

question the validity of

Focuses on challenging the accuracy or truthfulness of something.

harbor reservations about

Suggests a more subtle or private feeling of doubt.

have doubts concerning

Indicates uncertainty or apprehension about a particular matter.

not convinced by

Expresses a lack of persuasion or belief in something.

take with a grain of salt

Implies cautious acceptance, recognizing potential exaggeration or inaccuracy.

regard with suspicion

Suggests a distrustful or wary attitude.

find hard to believe

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

not entirely sure about

Conveys a sense of incomplete certainty or understanding.

wonder whether

Expresses a questioning attitude about the truth or possibility of something.

FAQs

What does "am skeptical of" mean?

The phrase "am skeptical of" means you have doubts or reservations about something. It indicates you're not entirely convinced or certain about the truth or validity of a claim, idea, or situation.

Is it better to say "I'm skeptical of" or "I am skeptical of"?

Both "I'm skeptical of" and "I am skeptical of" are grammatically correct. "I'm skeptical of" is more common in informal speech and writing, while "I am skeptical of" may be used in more formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What can I say instead of "am skeptical of"?

You can use alternatives like "doubtful about", "question the validity of", or "harbor reservations about" depending on the context.

How to use "am skeptical of" in a sentence?

Use "am skeptical of" to express your doubts or reservations about something. For example, "I am skeptical of the new policy changes" or "I am skeptical of his claims about the project's success".