highly skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong level of doubt or disbelief about something. Example: "After hearing the claims made by the company, I remain highly skeptical of their promises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm highly skeptical".

The New York Times

Business Insider was highly skeptical.

The New York Times

I'm highly skeptical of that".

The New York Times

American officials are highly skeptical.

The New York Times

But many executives have become highly skeptical of consultants.

The New York Times

I am just highly skeptical that that's the truth".

The Guardian

Science would make us highly skeptical of miracles.

The New York Times - Books

But independent economists are highly skeptical of both estimates.

The New York Times - Sports

But many inside and outside the administration are highly skeptical.

The New York Times

Reactions to them range from pleased to highly skeptical.

The New York Times

But many scientists are highly skeptical of Blue Brain's accomplishments.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing doubt, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "highly skeptical" is versatile, alternatives like "deeply suspicious" or "utterly unconvinced" can add layers of mistrust or finality.

Common error

While "highly skeptical" is valid, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your expressions of doubt by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase: The phrase "highly skeptical" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a strong feeling of doubt or disbelief. It indicates the degree to which someone questions or lacks confidence in something, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly skeptical" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing a strong sense of doubt or disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase, primarily used in neutral contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business settings. When choosing to use "highly skeptical", consider the subtle differences in meaning from related phrases like "very doubtful" or "deeply suspicious" to best convey your intended message. Overuse of this phrase should be avoided to maintain writing quality. Ludwig's analysis indicates a wide acceptance and frequent usage, making it a reliable choice for expressing skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very doubtful

Indicates a strong feeling of uncertainty or disbelief, similar to "highly skeptical" but potentially slightly less formal.

extremely dubious

Highlights the uncertainty and improbability of something being true or reliable; maintains a formal tone comparable to "highly skeptical".

deeply suspicious

Emphasizes a lack of trust and a strong sense that something is wrong, adding a layer of mistrust absent in "highly skeptical".

utterly unconvinced

Stresses a complete lack of persuasion or belief, indicating a firm rejection of an idea or claim, with a slightly stronger tone than "highly skeptical".

quite disbelieving

Implies a significant level of incredulity, emphasizing disbelief in a more understated way compared to "highly skeptical".

thoroughly questioning

Suggests an active process of doubt and examination, emphasizing the interrogative aspect; it's less conclusive than "highly skeptical".

fairly incredulous

Highlights astonishment and disbelief, often in response to surprising information, adding an emotional element not central to "highly skeptical".

distinctly distrustful

Focuses on a lack of trust, highlighting a reluctance to believe or rely on something, with a more personal tone than "highly skeptical".

somewhat cynical

Suggests a distrust of others' motives, implying a pessimistic outlook, which is a more specific attitude than general skepticism.

genuinely apprehensive

Expresses anxiety or fear about possible future events, introducing an element of concern absent in "highly skeptical".

FAQs

What does "highly skeptical" mean?

The phrase "highly skeptical" means having significant doubts or reservations about something. It indicates a strong level of disbelief or questioning.

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

You can use "highly skeptical" to describe your attitude towards a claim, idea, or situation. For example, "I am "highly skeptical" of the company's promises."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly skeptical"?

You can use alternatives like "very doubtful", "deeply suspicious", or "extremely dubious" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "highly skeptical" or "very skeptical"?

Both "highly skeptical" and "very skeptical" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Highly" may suggest a slightly stronger degree of doubt, but the choice often depends on personal preference and context.