element of skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "element of skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a mindset or attitude that involves doubt or questioning of beliefs, claims, or information. Example: "In scientific inquiry, an element of skepticism is essential to ensure that conclusions are based on evidence rather than assumptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Suspension is a core element of skepticism: the skeptic suspends judgment.

SEP

This appears to capture a core element of skepticism: the way in which the skeptic thinks such thoughts as "everything is inapprehensible".

SEP

The hopeful person anticipates that things could get better, but there's always an element of skepticism.

The New York Times - Arts

Broken promises were a recurring theme in the interviews with CHWs, and despite overall support, also established an element of skepticism towards the strategy.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Every element of my skepticism was reinforced during a six-day tour of the country.

The New York Times

Mindsets drive cognitive processing, and the mindset component captures the critical thinking that is an important element of professional skepticism and is required by standards.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

The basic elements of Aenesidemus' skepticism are: the skeptic puts appearances and thoughts into opposition; this generates equipollence (isostheneia) between several appearances and/or thoughts; suspension of judgment follows; with it comes tranquility; and the skeptic leads a life according to appearances (DL 9.62, 78, 106 7).

SEP

My undergraduate thesis examined elements of Epicureanism, skepticism, and libertinism in the later works of Aphra Behn.

University of Chicago

This skepticism about the uses of state money and power to address social problems is paired with another skepticism — the fourth element of neoconservatism — about the "effectiveness of international law and institutions to achieve either security or justice".

The New Yorker

The judge also indicated skepticism about an element of the states' proposal that would extend certain requirements that Microsoft disclose software code for television set-top boxes, personal digital assistants, computer servers and other devices.

The New York Times

Daniel E. Becnel Jr., a Louisiana lawyer who has chosen to move most of his clients through the Feinberg fund, expressed skepticism about that element of the deal, saying that it seemed that the goal of the new process was to siphon more people into the settlement process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "element of skepticism", ensure it's followed by 'towards' or 'about' to specify the subject being doubted. For example, "There was an element of skepticism about the new policy".

Common error

Avoid using "element of skepticism" when a stronger term like "outright rejection" is more accurate. The phrase implies a partial or measured doubt, not complete dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "element of skepticism" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a component or aspect of doubt or questioning. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "element of skepticism" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a degree of doubt or questioning towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, particularly in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "degree of doubt" or "hint of skepticism" exist, "element of skepticism" is useful when emphasizing a component or aspect of broader doubt. Remember to specify the target of the skepticism and to avoid overstating the level of doubt when a stronger term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

degree of skepticism

Focuses on the extent or intensity of the skepticism.

hint of skepticism

Suggests a subtle or slight presence of skepticism.

touch of skepticism

Similar to "hint", indicating a small amount of doubt.

sense of skepticism

Emphasizes the feeling or perception of doubt.

air of skepticism

Implies a pervasive or noticeable atmosphere of doubt.

undercurrent of skepticism

Indicates a subtle but underlying feeling of doubt.

note of skepticism

Highlights a particular instance or expression of doubt.

strain of skepticism

Suggests a specific type or aspect of skepticism.

suspicion

Directly conveys a lack of trust or belief.

doubt

A general term for uncertainty or disbelief.

FAQs

How to use "element of skepticism" in a sentence?

Use "element of skepticism" to indicate a degree of doubt or questioning regarding a particular claim or idea. For instance, "There's an "element of skepticism" surrounding the effectiveness of the proposed solution."

What can I say instead of "element of skepticism"?

You can use alternatives such as "degree of doubt", "hint of skepticism", or "sense of skepticism" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a element of skepticism"?

No, it's more appropriate to say "an "element of skepticism"" since "element" starts with a vowel sound. Although, better options can be "some skepticism" or "a degree of skepticism".

What's the difference between "element of skepticism" and "a skeptical outlook"?

"Element of skepticism" refers to a specific instance or aspect of doubt, while "a skeptical outlook" describes a general tendency to be doubtful or questioning.