be skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to question the validity or truth of information or claims presented to them. Example: "When reading online articles, it's important to be skeptical of sensational headlines that may not reflect the actual content."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Be skeptical.

The New York Times

We should be skeptical".

The New York Times

Be skeptical of the intelligence.

The New York Times

We should all be skeptical.

The New Yorker

You have to be skeptical".

The New York Times - Health

It's easy to be skeptical.

The New Yorker

Shoppers, too, can be skeptical.

The New York Times

He had good reason to be skeptical.

The New York Times

But there are reasons to be skeptical.

The New York Times

Be skeptical, too, of advertising gimmicks.

The New York Times - Health

There are reasons to be skeptical, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encountering new information, especially online, "be skeptical" and verify its source and credibility before accepting it as true.

Common error

While it's important to "be skeptical", avoid becoming overly cynical. Cynicism can shut down open-mindedness and the ability to recognize genuine value or truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be skeptical" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to adopt a questioning or doubting attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its common use across various contexts, emphasizing its role in critical thinking and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be skeptical" is a common and grammatically sound imperative, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is widely used across varied contexts, with a high frequency in news and media sources. While advocating for caution and critical evaluation, it's crucial to avoid cynicism. Related phrases like "take with a grain of salt" and "exercise caution" offer similar nuances. Remember to verify information and question claims, but also remain open to new perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary

Similar to skeptical, but implies a sense of potential danger.

take with a grain of salt

Indicates not accepting something at face value.

don't believe everything you hear

Highlights the importance of verifying information.

maintain a critical eye

Highlights the importance of careful evaluation and judgement.

remain doubtful

Emphasizes a continuing state of doubt.

scrutinize claims

Focuses on the need to carefully examine and assess statements.

view with suspicion

Implies a negative feeling towards something.

exercise caution

Focuses on the need for carefulness and wariness.

challenge assumptions

Encourages questioning underlying beliefs.

question everything

Suggests a more active and thorough examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "be skeptical" to advise caution or doubt towards a claim or piece of information. For example, "When reading news online, "be skeptical" of headlines that seem too sensational."

What does it mean to "be skeptical"?

To "be skeptical" means to have or express doubt about something, questioning its truth or validity. It's about not accepting things at face value without proper scrutiny.

What are some synonyms for "be skeptical"?

Alternatives include "be doubtful", "be wary", or "question everything", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always good to "be skeptical"?

While it's beneficial to "be skeptical" to avoid misinformation, excessive skepticism can lead to cynicism and distrust. A healthy balance is key, where you question claims while remaining open to new information.