have been skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or uncertainty about something that has been ongoing or has existed over a period of time. Example: "Many experts have been skeptical about the effectiveness of the new policy since its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Experts have been skeptical.

The New York Times

But somebody should have been skeptical".

The New York Times - Books

Some analysts have been skeptical.

The New York Times - Tech

She must have been skeptical.

The New York Times

Judges have been skeptical about this idea.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Investors, so far, have been skeptical.

The New York Times

Some Internet pundits have been skeptical.

MIT Technology Review

Historians have been skeptical of that claim, however.

The New York Times

Historically, Christians have been skeptical of literal readings of scripture.

The Washington Post

But most analysts have been skeptical about Voom's future.

The New York Times

Safety Board investigators have been skeptical about these reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been skeptical", ensure the context clearly indicates what the skepticism pertains to. Providing specific reasons or evidence for the doubt strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "have been skeptical" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. Instead of "Concerns have been skeptically received", try "Critics have been skeptical of these concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been skeptical" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of doubt or disbelief that has persisted over time. This is validated by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as grammatically correct and widely usable. The examples show various subjects expressing skepticism about different claims and proposals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been skeptical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to express ongoing doubt or reservation, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it serves to communicate a lack of confidence or agreement with a particular idea or claim. When using this phrase, it is best practice to clearly state the object of skepticism and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Related phrases, such as "have expressed doubts" or "have questioned", can provide alternative phrasing to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been dubious about

Replaces "skeptical" with a synonym that emphasizes uncertainty.

have expressed doubts

Replaces "skeptical" with a more direct expression of doubt.

have questioned

Uses a verb implying inquiry and uncertainty instead of skepticism.

have remained unconvinced

Emphasizes the lack of persuasion or belief.

have not been persuaded

Highlights the failure to convince someone.

have not been entirely certain

Conveys uncertainty without explicitly stating doubt.

have viewed with suspicion

Indicates a distrustful perspective.

have lacked faith in

Indicates a lack of confidence or trust.

have taken a dim view of

Expresses disapproval and doubt.

have considered unlikely

Suggests a low probability or expectation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have been skeptical"?

To "have been skeptical" means to have doubts or reservations about something. It suggests a questioning attitude or a lack of complete conviction.

What can I say instead of "have been skeptical"?

You can use alternatives like "have expressed doubts", "have questioned", or "have remained unconvinced" depending on the context.

How do you use "have been skeptical" in a sentence?

You can use "have been skeptical" to indicate a group or individual's doubts about a claim or idea. For example: "Analysts have been skeptical about the company's future prospects."

Is it better to say "have been skeptical" or "are skeptical"?

The choice between "have been skeptical" and "are skeptical" depends on the time frame you are referring to. "Have been skeptical" implies a past and ongoing state of doubt, while "are skeptical" refers to a present state.