be skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be skeptical of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when advising someone to doubt or question something. Here are a few examples of when it can be used: - "Be skeptical of promises made by politicians during election season." - "I suggest you be skeptical of the claims made in that advertisement." - "As a journalist, it's important to be skeptical of information received from unreliable sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be skeptical of the intelligence.

The New York Times

Be skeptical of benchmarking.

Harvard Business Review

Be skeptical of company websites.

Harvard Business Review

Be skeptical of this defense.

The Washington Post

Be skeptical of how advertisements are worded.

The New York Times

Also: Be skeptical of all of this.

The Washington Post

Again there are reasons to be skeptical of such prognostications.

The New York Times

You're right to be skeptical of all sources of information.

The New Yorker

Accordingly we should be skeptical of such overweening exertions.

The New York Times

If it displaces investment, we should be skeptical of it.

The New York Times

Be skeptical of descriptions on the dessert menu.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be skeptical of", clearly state what the subject of your skepticism is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Be skeptical", specify "Be skeptical of the data presented".

Common error

Avoid blanket statements like "Be skeptical of everything". It's more effective and credible to focus your skepticism on specific claims, sources, or methodologies, providing a reasoned basis for your doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be skeptical of" functions as an imperative, urging caution and critical thinking. Examples in Ludwig, confirmed by Ludwig AI, demonstrate its use in advising against accepting information or claims at face value. It prompts the listener or reader to question and investigate further.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be skeptical of" is a common and grammatically sound imperative phrase used to encourage critical thinking and caution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is predominantly found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki sources, highlighting its relevance in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the subject of your skepticism to avoid ambiguity and promote effective communication. Alternatives include "be wary of" and "doubt the veracity of", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of

This emphasizes being cautious and alert for potential dangers or problems.

don't fully trust

This is a straightforward expression of not having complete faith in something.

view with suspicion

This implies a cautious distrust or wariness towards something.

doubt the veracity of

This suggests questioning the truthfulness or accuracy of something.

question the validity of

This focuses on whether something is sound, justified, or legitimate.

remain unconvinced by

This suggests a lack of persuasion or belief in something.

take with a grain of salt

This idiom suggests not taking something too seriously or literally.

challenge the premise of

This directly confronts the underlying assumptions or basis of something.

scrutinize carefully

This highlights the need for close and critical examination.

look askance at

This implies a disapproving or distrustful gaze or consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "be skeptical of" to advise caution or doubt regarding a particular claim or source. For example, "Be skeptical of any investment opportunity that promises guaranteed high returns".

What's the difference between "be wary of" and "be skeptical of"?

"Be wary of" implies a sense of caution and potential danger, while "be skeptical of" suggests a more intellectual doubt or questioning of validity. You'd be wary of a dark alley, but you'd "be skeptical of" a politician's promises.

When is it appropriate to "be skeptical of" something?

It's appropriate to "be skeptical of" something when there are reasons to doubt its truthfulness, accuracy, or validity. This could be due to unreliable sources, conflicting evidence, or logical inconsistencies.

What are some alternatives to "be skeptical of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "doubt the veracity of", "question the validity of", or "view with suspicion".