an air of mistrust

USAGE SUMMARY

"an air of mistrust" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling or atmosphere of suspicion, doubt, or lack of confidence in a situation or towards a person. Example: There was an air of mistrust among the employees after the CEO's sudden resignation. In this sentence, the phrase is used to convey the sense that the employees feel uneasy and suspicious about the CEO's resignation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Film

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the affair has left an air of mistrust over their partnership that may be harder to disperse than spring pollen.

The Economist

Brian Capaloff, a left-leaning member of the local party executive, said that, without publication, the stench of the allegations remains, as does an air of mistrust.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

England were going off to the Caribbean with no coach and there was a real air of mistrust and chaos behind the scenes, while just around the corner the Ashes loomed.

BBC

Despite the air of mistrust, there are residents and business owners willing to take Mr. Wang at his word.

The New York Times

The atmosphere in the suite rather resembled the air of mistrust that envelops Nolan's films, epistemological thrillers whose protagonists, gripped by the desire for definitive answers, must negotiate mazy environments in which the truth is always beyond their reach.

The Guardian - Film

Adding to the general air of mistrust surrounding the project is the fact that the contract for redeveloping the Block has been awarded to Redfern-based Deicorper Deicorp.

Vice

Adding to the general air of mistrust surrounding the project is the awarding of the contract for redeveloping The Block to the controversial Redfern-based developer Deicorp.

Vice

It is an atmosphere of mistrust reminiscent of the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008.

The New York Times

The movement of skilled workers, particularly health workers, has often occurred in an atmosphere of mistrust and contestation among policymakers.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

We analyze the buyer's decision to leave negative feedback as an act of mistrust towards the seller.

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics

While some of the English-language dialogue proves a distracting contrivance (surely Germans would speak German to each other – unless they know we're watching?), the air of paranoid mistrust rings true, evoked most eloquently by Hoffman's world-weary face, which speaks a universal language.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an air of mistrust" to describe a situation where there's a palpable sense of doubt or suspicion among people or within an environment. This suggests a feeling that is almost tangible, influencing interactions and perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "an air of mistrust" when you mean someone is actively distrusting someone else. This phrase describes an atmosphere, not an action. For active distrust, say "they distrusted him" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an air of mistrust" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in describing a pervasive feeling or atmosphere. It sets a specific tone and context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Film

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an air of mistrust" effectively portrays a palpable sense of doubt or suspicion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to describe a prevailing atmosphere rather than specific actions. While relatively rare in usage, its appearances in news and media, as well as science and film, indicate its versatility in describing complex interpersonal or environmental dynamics. When writing, remember that this phrase describes the general feeling, not individual acts of distrust, and is best used to set a specific tone or context within your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of distrust

Focuses on the emotional experience of distrust rather than an ambient atmosphere.

a climate of suspicion

Emphasizes a pervasive atmosphere of doubt and wariness.

an atmosphere of skepticism

Highlights doubt and questioning of claims or motives.

a sense of unease

Conveys a general feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

a whiff of doubt

Suggests a faint or subtle presence of uncertainty.

a shadow of doubt

Indicates uncertainty that dims optimism or trust.

a pall of uncertainty

Implies a dark and oppressive atmosphere of unpredictability.

a prevailing doubt

Signifies a widespread uncertainty is dominant.

a general apprehension

Highlights anxiety and worry about future events.

a prevalent distrust

Underlines the widespread nature of the lack of trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "an air of mistrust" to describe a pervasive feeling of doubt or suspicion in a particular setting. For instance, "An air of mistrust settled over the negotiations after the leaked documents were revealed".

What's a more formal alternative to "an air of mistrust"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a climate of suspicion" or "a feeling of distrust". These alternatives maintain a professional and serious tone, suitable for formal writing.

Is "an air of mistrust" the same as "an atmosphere of mistrust"?

While similar, "an atmosphere of mistrust" also emphasizes the environment while "an air of mistrust" suggests a more subtle, pervasive feeling affecting interactions.

What words are often associated with "an air of mistrust"?

Words commonly associated with "an air of mistrust" include suspicion, doubt, unease, tension, and uncertainty, reflecting the negative connotations of the phrase.