grow skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in doubt or disbelief about something over time. Example: "As the evidence mounted, many began to grow skeptical of the initial claims made by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Even the young in Illinois grow skeptical.

The New York Times

The population began to grow skeptical of Blair as a new election approached, as it became clear that his government remained highly centralized and that he had no plans for overdue reforms in the public services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You don't have to favor restricting immigration to grow skeptical about a little-known federal program known as EB-5, which provides green cards to foreign millionaires if they park money here for a few years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Civilians have grown skeptical about the peacekeepers' ability to protect them -- a skepticism that in turn hampers the peacekeepers' ability to gather intelligence.

The New York Times

But she quickly grew skeptical.

The New Yorker

Mr. Brown himself has grown skeptical.

The New York Times

But after years of disappointment, neighbors have grown skeptical.

The New York Times

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

Debevec's enthusiasm is generally winning, but when he talked this way I grew skeptical.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow skeptical" to describe a gradual shift in someone's beliefs or opinions, particularly when new information or experiences lead to increased doubt. For instance, "After the company's repeated failures, investors began to grow skeptical of their promises."

Common error

Avoid using "grow skeptical" when describing an immediate reaction of disbelief. Instead, use it to describe a process over time. "He didn't grow skeptical the moment he heard the claim; he was skeptical immediately" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow skeptical" functions as a verb phrase, where "grow" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "skeptical". This indicates a gradual development of doubt or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow skeptical" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the gradual development of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context reflects a process occurring over time, rather than an immediate reaction. Alternatives such as "become doubtful" or "develop skepticism" offer similar meanings, each with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become doubtful

Emphasizes the state of doubt rather than the process of developing it; it suggests a more sudden shift in belief.

develop skepticism

Focuses on the development of a general attitude of skepticism, rather than a specific instance of doubt.

start to doubt

A more general phrase indicating the beginning of uncertainty.

lose faith in

Implies a stronger sense of disappointment or disillusionment, suggesting a prior belief.

begin to suspect

Suggests a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest, often without concrete evidence.

turn dubious

Expresses a change in perspective toward uncertainty and doubtfulness, usually about the value of something.

become wary

Implies caution and a lack of trust, often due to potential danger or deception.

start questioning

Highlights the act of asking oneself whether something is true or reliable.

get suspicious

Suggests a stronger feeling of distrust, often related to potential wrongdoing.

feel dubious

Expresses a state of uncertainty, doubt and distrust about something

FAQs

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

"Grow skeptical" is used to describe a gradual increase in doubt or disbelief. For example: "As more evidence surfaced, people began to "grow skeptical" of the initial reports."

What are some alternatives to "grow skeptical"?

Alternatives include "become doubtful", "develop skepticism", or "start to doubt", each offering slightly different nuances depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grew skeptical" instead of "grow skeptical"?

Yes, "grew skeptical" is the past tense form of "grow skeptical" and is correct when describing a past event. For example, "He "grew skeptical" after the first incident."

What's the difference between "grow skeptical" and "become skeptical"?

"Grow skeptical" suggests a gradual process, while "become skeptical" can imply a more sudden shift. "He "grew skeptical" over time," versus "He "became skeptical" after hearing the news."