got skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

"got skeptical" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a change in attitude from being open-minded or accepting to being more doubtful or disbelieving. For example, "When I heard the news, I got skeptical and started asking a lot of questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I got skeptical comments from colleagues — "well, that's a new look" was a typical refrain.

The New York Times

"But we got skeptical when we were sent home that first day.

The New York Times - Magazine

There, despite an investment of time and effort, he often got skeptical questions, charmed some but won over few, limped out of the state weeks before Tuesday's primary and received fewer than 2,000 votes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I am always getting skeptical when things sound so smooth.

The Guardian

"Santas need to know the inventory or the kids get skeptical".

The New York Times - Style

Investors in the bond markets, where the Treasury Department goes to raise money to keep the government running, are getting skeptical about the scale of Washington's spending.

The New York Times

When they encounter a too-good record like this one, serious fans get skeptical — after all, the best way to keep a fighter's record spotless is to feed him a series of spotty opponents.

The New Yorker

Wednesday's dash down Interstate 90 appeared to be a first stab at getting skeptical upstate voters used to the idea of being represented in Washington by yet another downstater.

The New York Times

Peres's support helped; the president wanted Israel to be the company's first test market, and Peres began working as an icebreaker inside the government, getting skeptical politicians to begin designing tax incentives and cheap debt to finance the firm.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I get skeptical when you have to chase weird synergies because you paid up," he says.

Forbes

GM is supporting the campaign with marketing moves intended to get skeptical consumers behind the wheels of its vehicles.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got skeptical" to indicate a change in attitude from acceptance to doubt, often triggered by new information or experiences. It's suitable when describing a personal shift in perspective.

Common error

While "got skeptical" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound informal. Opt for alternatives like "became doubtful" or "grew suspicious" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got skeptical" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in one's attitude towards something, transitioning from belief or neutrality to doubt or disbelief. Ludwig confirms the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got skeptical" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a change in attitude towards doubt, as validated by Ludwig. Although it is correct, its usage is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys a shift in perspective from belief to doubt. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "became doubtful" or "grew suspicious". Ludwig’s analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in various written contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unconvinced

Highlights a lack of persuasion, aligning with a skeptical viewpoint.

became doubtful

Indicates a shift to uncertainty, similar to becoming skeptical but potentially milder.

felt dubious

Expresses a sense of uncertainty or hesitance, comparable to being skeptical.

started doubting

Focuses on the inception of doubt, akin to the initial stage of skepticism.

grew suspicious

Implies a stronger sense of distrust than simply becoming skeptical.

remained dubious

Highlights the continuing doubt and hesitation.

questioned the validity

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy, reflecting a strong form of skepticism.

had reservations

Suggests underlying doubts or concerns, aligning with skepticism.

took with a grain of salt

Suggests cautious acceptance, implying a degree of skepticism.

lost faith in

Suggests a waning belief or trust, implying a deeper level of skepticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "got skeptical" to describe a change in attitude towards doubt or disbelief. For example, "After hearing the company's explanation, I "got skeptical" about their claims."

What's a more formal way to say "got skeptical"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "became doubtful", "grew suspicious", or "started questioning" as alternatives to "got skeptical".

Is it correct to say "got skeptical", or should I use another verb?

The phrase "got skeptical" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, the choice of verb depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct.

What's the difference between "got skeptical" and "was skeptical"?

"Got skeptical" implies a change in state, meaning you weren't initially skeptical but became so. "Was skeptical" simply indicates a pre-existing state of skepticism.