grew skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew skeptical of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a change in attitude or belief towards something, indicating that someone has become doubtful or questioning. Example: "Over time, she grew skeptical of the claims made by the company regarding their product's effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But as the day went on, investors grew skeptical of that possibility.

The New York Times

As Kerviel followed the subprime revelations in the financial press, he grew skeptical of such assurances.

The New Yorker

He got a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, in London, where he studied percussion and grew skeptical of trends in contemporary classical composition.

The New Yorker

But officials grew skeptical of their claims as their numbers surged to about 12,000 in 2002 from a trickle a decade before.

The New York Times

The Egyptian public also grew skeptical of ongoing efforts by successive U.S. presidents and by their own president to promote peace between Israel and other Arab countries and, particularly, the Palestinians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of Mr. Scarcella's former sergeants, Dennis Singleton, said that years before he retired in 1999, some detectives grew skeptical of the investigator's cocky "superstar" image and refused to work with him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Wall Street, grown skeptical of unfulfilled promises, now waits to see the plan, due in January.

The New York Times

I'd grown skeptical of the prosecution's case, but others I'd spoken to were more convinced by it.

The New Yorker

Yesterday, Martin B. Adelman, the president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said the rulings suggested that judges have grown skeptical of the witnesses relied upon by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Mr. Shambo adds that investors who are growing skeptical of diversification need to ask themselves an important question: What other choices do they have?

The New York Times

But Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, a law professor at Stetson University in Florida, said that lower courts had in the years before Citizens United grown skeptical of compulsory transparency, sometimes saying that it chilled First Amendment rights by imposing burdensome reporting requirements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew skeptical of" when you want to express a gradual shift in belief from trust to doubt. This suggests a process rather than a sudden change.

Common error

While "grew skeptical of" is suitable for expressing gradual doubt, avoid using it when a stronger term like "lost faith in" or "became disillusioned with" would more accurately reflect a significant loss of trust or belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew skeptical of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual change in attitude or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English, signifying a transition from trust to doubt. It describes how someone's confidence or faith in something diminishes over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grew skeptical of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual shift from trust to doubt. Ludwig AI validates its usability in English, indicating a change in attitude or belief. While the phrase is commonly found in news and media, and less so in other contexts, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal settings. When writing, be sure to use "grew skeptical of" to show a gradual change in belief, and avoid using it where stronger language may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became doubtful of

Focuses on the emergence of doubt, slightly more direct than "grew skeptical of".

started to question

Highlights the initiation of questioning, emphasizing the process of becoming skeptical.

lost faith in

Indicates a complete or near-complete loss of trust or belief.

began to doubt

Similar to 'started to question', emphasizing the initial stage of doubt.

developed reservations about

Suggests a more cautious and considered form of skepticism.

turned suspicious of

Implies a leaning towards distrust and wariness.

became cynical about

Suggests a more general and pessimistic skepticism.

had misgivings about

Emphasizes feelings of unease or apprehension.

took a dim view of

Indicates disapproval and a negative outlook.

regarded with suspicion

Focuses on viewing something with distrust.

FAQs

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

You can use "grew skeptical of" to indicate a gradual shift in belief or trust. For example, "Over time, the public "grew skeptical of" the government's promises."

What are some alternatives to "grew skeptical of"?

Alternatives include "became doubtful of", "started to question", or "lost faith in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "became skeptical of" or "grew skeptical of"?

"Grew skeptical of" emphasizes a gradual change in belief, while "became skeptical of" can imply a more sudden shift. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process of becoming skeptical or simply the state of being skeptical.

What's the difference between "grew skeptical of" and "became suspicious of"?

"Grew skeptical of" suggests a doubt based on reasoning or evidence, whereas "became suspicious of" implies a distrust based on intuition or a lack of transparency. Suspicion often involves a sense of something being hidden or deceptive.