challenge credulity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge credulity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is difficult to believe or accept as true, often due to its implausibility. Example: "The plot of the movie was so far-fetched that it seemed to challenge credulity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Other matters further challenge credulity.

The Washington Post

"You have a category spinning out of control, where claims are being made that absolutely challenge credulity".

The New York Times

Rather its ideology rests on a cult of personality, not of one leader, but a dynasty of a father, son and grandson whose legendary accomplishments challenge credulity.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At times, however, the narrative falters or challenges credulity.

The New York Times - Books

In which other house servants wear that type of quality clothes?" At times, however, the narrative falters or challenges credulity.

The New York Times - Books

Quite rightly, "blackface" was long ago laughed out of court on the grounds that it not only challenges credulity but is also both ludicrous and demeaning to all parties concerned.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very notion of a "controlled experiment" in which a significant proportion of the seal population would be destroyed "challenges scientific credulity," they wrote.

The New York Times

Gondry is fully aware that VHS is a quasi-defunct medium, already the subject of technological nostalgia, and that setting his film and Mr Fletcher's video shop in the present in itself challenges our credulity.

The Guardian - Film

One moment located in procedural naturalism, the next on the wilder shores of melodramatic thriller, it's a series that challenges the viewer's credulity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is a provocative or Hebdoesque piece of religious cartooning that challenges the complacencies and credulities of his audience.

The Guardian

Events stretch credulity.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "challenge credulity". While appropriate in academic or journalistic writing, it might be perceived as overly formal in casual conversation. If writing to a casual audience, consider more common alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge credulity" in informal settings, where simpler alternatives like "hard to believe" or "unlikely" are more appropriate. Overly formal language can create a disconnect with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge credulity" functions as a verb phrase, where "challenge" is a transitive verb and "credulity" is the direct object. It typically expresses an action that tests or surpasses the limits of believability. This is supported by Ludwig, where "challenge credulity" is used to describe improbable situations or claims.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "challenge credulity" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is difficult to believe. Ludwig indicates that it functions as a verb phrase used to express skepticism or doubt. While the phrase is more common in News & Media and Academic contexts, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. Remember to ensure the subject-verb agreement and adjust the phrasing for different audiences. Consider using alternatives like "strain belief" or "defy belief" depending on the context. Though not frequent in everyday language, "challenge credulity" remains a valid and effective way to express incredulity in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strain belief

This phrase emphasizes the difficulty in believing something.

test the limits of belief

This alternative highlights the extent to which something is unbelievable.

defy belief

This suggests something is so improbable it's hard to accept.

stretch plausibility

This phrase focuses on the degree to which something is believable or realistic.

beggar belief

This idiom means something is too extraordinary to be believed.

tax the imagination

This implies the situation is so unbelievable that it requires a lot of imagination to accept.

push the boundaries of credibility

This emphasizes the act of exceeding what is considered believable.

try one's faith

This refers to testing someone's confidence or trust in something.

make one question reality

This suggests the incredulity stems from something that seems unreal.

fly in the face of reason

This suggests something contradicts logical thought and therefore is hard to believe.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge credulity" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge credulity" to describe something that is difficult to believe. For example, "The witness's inconsistent testimony began to "challenge credulity".".

What does it mean when something "challenges credulity"?

When something "challenges credulity", it means it's so unlikely or extraordinary that it's hard to believe or accept as true. It tests the limits of what someone is willing to accept.

What are some alternatives to "challenge credulity"?

Some alternatives to "challenge credulity" include "strain belief", "defy belief", or "stretch plausibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "challenge credulity" or "challenges credulity"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "challenge credulity" with plural subjects (e.g., "These claims challenge credulity"). Use "challenges credulity" with singular subjects (e.g., "This claim challenges credulity").