he is skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's doubt or disbelief regarding a particular situation or claim. Example: "Despite the promising results, he is skeptical about the effectiveness of the new treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is skeptical of what he sees.

The New York Times - Sports

So he is skeptical of using them to achieve diversification.

The New York Times

He is skeptical about the motives of their modern descendants.

The New York Times

Plus he is skeptical of the physical product.

The New York Times

Karakas said he is skeptical of Kanter's intentions.

The New York Times - Sports

But he is skeptical of his grander plans.

The New York Times

But he is skeptical that it will end the struggle.

The New York Times - Health

He is skeptical that group marriages, of three or more partners, can last very long.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is skeptical about the business of offering insider advice at high prices.

The New York Times

Nydam was raised in the Christian Reformed Church, but he is skeptical of redemption narratives.

The New Yorker

But he is skeptical of the hubbub, unsure that it will amount to change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is skeptical" to convey a measured doubt, rather than outright disbelief. It implies a thoughtful consideration but a lack of full conviction.

Common error

While acceptable in most writing, in very informal conversation, consider alternatives like "he doubts it" or "he's not buying it" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is skeptical" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a state of doubt or disbelief to a male subject. It's used to convey that the person is not easily convinced and requires further evidence or reasoning, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is skeptical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone's doubt or disbelief, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions descriptively, informing the reader about the subject's attitude. While its register is generally neutral, it sees higher usage in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while correct in most scenarios, very informal setting may need slightly different alternatives. Synonyms include "he is doubtful" and "he is dubious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is doubtful

Indicates uncertainty or a lack of conviction about something.

he is dubious

Suggests a feeling of doubt or hesitation.

he is unconvinced

Implies that someone has not been persuaded to believe something.

he is questioning

Indicates that someone is expressing doubts or reservations.

he is hesitant

Shows a reluctance or unwillingness to fully accept something.

he is cynical

Suggests a distrust of others' motives and a general pessimism.

he is wary

Implies caution and a lack of trust.

he has reservations

Indicates that someone has doubts or concerns.

he is not sold on

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or agreement.

he remains to be convinced

Indicates that someone still needs more evidence or persuasion.

FAQs

What does "he is skeptical" mean?

The phrase "he is skeptical" means that he is doubtful or questioning something. He isn't readily convinced and requires more evidence or persuasion.

How can I use "he is skeptical" in a sentence?

You can use "he is skeptical" to describe someone's attitude towards a claim, idea, or situation. For example, "Despite the positive reviews, "he is skeptical" about the new restaurant's long-term success."

What are some synonyms for "he is skeptical"?

Some synonyms for "he is skeptical" include "he is doubtful", "he is dubious", and "he is unconvinced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it "he is skeptical" or "he is sceptical"?

"He is skeptical" is the American English spelling, while "he is sceptical" is the British English spelling. Both are correct, but it is important to be consistent in your writing.