hint of skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a subtle or slight expression of doubt or disbelief regarding a statement or situation. Example: "Her response carried a hint of skepticism, suggesting she wasn't fully convinced by his explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Well, you can sign me up for raspberries in November," the chef said with some excitement, and perhaps a hint of skepticism.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, France, which has taken a hard line toward Iran and its nuclear program, also appeared to accept the American accusations without a hint of skepticism.

The New York Times

A hint of skepticism flutters in via television news reports hyperventilating about the presence of naked people at the museum — performers recreating some of Ms. Abramovic's earlier pieces — but the filmmakers are disinclined to seek out critical voices or to dig too deeply into the thorny issues of sex, violence and identity raised by her work.

The New York Times

Do you want to work in Africa?" I answered each question aloud, albeit with a hint of skepticism, saying "Yes?

Huffington Post

Thus, having been the next big thing on more than one occasion, it's worth viewing the latest VR overtures with a hint of skepticism.

Los Angeles Times

We've both earned reputations for going above and beyond the drunken call of duty, thus when we announced our intentions to our friends, we were met with more than a hint of skepticism.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Steinman wrote a sixteen-hundred-word piece for his magazine, Edible Hudson Valley, giving no hint of his skepticism, even though, as he told me, "I couldn't in good conscience tell an editor, 'This is real.' I think it's sort of a J. T. LeRoy thing".

The New Yorker

Mr. Slocum's hint at skepticism is being felt by other Mueller residents and members of nearby communities.

The New York Times

He met lots of skepticism.

The New York Times

Many have embraced some form of skepticism.

The New York Times

It creates a lot of skepticism".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of skepticism" to subtly express doubt without being overly critical or dismissive. This approach is particularly useful in professional settings where maintaining a positive tone is important.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of skepticism" excessively in formal or academic writing. While it's acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less assertive. Consider using more direct language to express your doubts or concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of skepticism" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a subtle indication of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig examples show the phrase being used to characterize reactions or attitudes in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of skepticism" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, signifying a subtle indication of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, where a nuanced expression of doubt is often required. When writing, consider using "hint of skepticism" to subtly convey your reservations without being overly critical. If you prefer alternatives, phrases like "touch of doubt" or "trace of incredulity" can be used to similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of doubt

Replaces 'hint' with 'touch', implying a slightly more palpable sense of doubt.

trace of incredulity

Substitutes 'skepticism' with 'incredulity', focusing on disbelief, and 'hint' with 'trace' indicating it's subtle.

tinge of reservation

Suggests a slight hesitation or doubt about something.

suggestion of disbelief

Uses a different noun to represent disbelief.

degree of uncertainty

Replaces the specifics with a general sense of uncertainty.

flicker of suspicion

Indicates a brief, subtle feeling of doubt or distrust.

element of wariness

Indicates caution and a lack of complete trust.

shade of mistrust

Uses 'mistrust' to convey a lack of trust, a form of skepticism.

modicum of doubt

Emphasizes the small quantity of doubt.

whiff of cynicism

Implies a skeptical attitude with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of skepticism" in a sentence?

You can use "hint of skepticism" to describe someone's reaction or attitude towards a statement or situation. For example, "Her response carried a hint of skepticism, suggesting she wasn't fully convinced by his explanation."

What phrases are similar to "hint of skepticism"?

Alternatives include "touch of doubt", "trace of incredulity", or "degree of uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hint of skepticism" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally appropriate, but consider the tone you want to convey. In some cases, more direct language might be preferable. Overusing it may weaken your writing.

What's the difference between "hint of skepticism" and "expression of skepticism"?

"Hint of skepticism" implies a subtle or slight expression of doubt, while "expression of skepticism" suggests a more overt or noticeable display of doubt.