be sceptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sceptical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to question or doubt the validity of information or claims presented to them. Example: "When reading online articles, it's important to be sceptical of the sources and verify the facts before accepting them as true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sceptical.

The Economist

Should we be sceptical?

Independent

"You should be sceptical.

The Guardian - Tech

Will Lambertz still be sceptical?

The Guardian

You may well be sceptical.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are reasons to be sceptical.

The Economist

But there is reason to be sceptical.

The Economist

IT IS hard not to be sceptical.

The Economist

Be sceptical about new technology.

The Guardian - Books

Younger ones tend to be sceptical.

The Economist

There is good reason to be sceptical.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be sceptical", ensure you provide context for what the reader should be skeptical about. Clarity enhances the effectiveness of your advice.

Common error

Avoid advising readers to "be sceptical" without indicating a specific subject or claim. Vague skepticism can be misinterpreted as cynicism or close-mindedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sceptical" functions as an imperative, urging the reader or listener to adopt a critical and questioning mindset. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It’s a call to evaluate information carefully, rather than accepting it at face value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sceptical" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage critical thinking and evaluation of information. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business writing. To use it effectively, provide clear context for what the reader should be skeptical about to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "remain doubtful" or "question the validity" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain doubtful

Emphasizes a state of uncertainty or disbelief.

question the validity

Focuses on challenging the accuracy or truth of something.

take with a grain of salt

Indicates not accepting something at face value.

view with suspicion

Highlights a cautious or distrustful perspective.

harbor doubts

Suggests holding reservations or uncertainties.

express skepticism

More formal way to suggest questioning.

have reservations

To not totally agree, or approve of something.

challenge the authenticity

Focuses specifically on disputing genuineness.

look at with a critical eye

Implies carefully examining something for flaws.

don't believe everything you hear

General advice to distrust unverified information.

FAQs

How can I use "be sceptical" in a sentence?

You can use "be sceptical" to advise caution or doubt regarding a claim. For example, "When evaluating new research, "be sceptical" of extraordinary claims without strong evidence."

What does it mean to "be sceptical"?

To "be sceptical" means to question claims or information, requiring sufficient evidence before acceptance. It involves a critical assessment of validity and reliability.

Which is correct, "be skeptical" or "be sceptical"?

"Be skeptical" and "be sceptical" are both correct, with "skeptical" being the American spelling and "sceptical" being the British spelling. Use the spelling appropriate for your audience.

When should I "be sceptical"?

You should "be sceptical" when encountering information that seems too good to be true, lacks credible sources, or contradicts established knowledge. It's also wise to "remain doubtful" when personal biases might influence your judgment.