intense skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or deep level of doubt or disbelief regarding a particular idea, claim, or situation. Example: "The scientist approached the new theory with intense skepticism, questioning its validity and the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Intense skepticism before the race turned into praise for Motion and Irwin after the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

"So despite my intense skepticism about it, we are now going to have a Web site".

The New York Times

Scott approaches today's multibillion-dollar repositories of user data sites like Facebook, Google, and Flickr with intense skepticism.

MIT Technology Review

When this explanation was first proposed in 1983, it was greeted with intense skepticism by most medical experts, but it became widely accepted over the next decade.

Princeton University

Those reassurances were met with intense skepticism by fishermen who, even before Tuesday's admissions, said they no longer trusted any assertions made by Tepco.

The New York Times

But his assurances were met by intense skepticism from several panel members, including the City Council members Letitia James and Stephen T. Levin of Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In 1960, the marriage of a Protestant to a Catholic was often unwelcome on both sides of the aisle, and the presidential candidate John F. Kennedy faced intense Protestant skepticism.

The New York Times - Books

Before this introduction, I had hardly discussed evolution in my years of Catechism and by the time I reached 9th grade, I was already in the beginning of a period of intense religious skepticism.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Each of his companies has met with intense investor skepticism.

Los Angeles Times

Among inmates, there is grumbling about the newly intense scrutiny and skepticism about its effectiveness.

The Washington Post

However, even if there is eventually progress toward a solution based on territorial compromise, the intense and widespread skepticism toward Palestinian institutions will require any future, independent Palestinian state to confront these legacies of distrust.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense skepticism", ensure the context clearly indicates what the skepticism is directed towards. Be specific about the object of doubt to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The proposal was met with intense skepticism due to its unrealistic assumptions."

Common error

Avoid using "intense skepticism" when a more nuanced term like "disappointment", "frustration", or "worry" would be more appropriate. Skepticism implies a reasoned doubt, not just a feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense skepticism" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state of mind or attitude. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It often acts as the object of a verb, indicating how a person or group perceives or reacts to something. It can be modified to add context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense skepticism" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a significant level of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, primarily within News & Media, Academia and Science. It's crucial to deploy this term judiciously, reserving it for situations where reasoned doubt, rather than mere emotion, is warranted. When opting for alternatives, consider the nuances of "profound doubt", "deep misgivings", or "strong reservations" for a more precise fit. By understanding its implications and context, writers can effectively communicate levels of doubt with accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pronounced skepticism

Synonymous, but with a slightly more formal tone.

considerable disbelief

Directly states a lack of belief, which can be stronger or weaker than skepticism depending on context.

strong reservations

Indicates significant hesitations or objections, often in a professional or decision-making context.

serious misgivings

Focuses on feelings of unease or apprehension, rather than intellectual doubt.

profound doubt

Emphasizes the depth of the uncertainty, rather than the active questioning implied by skepticism.

grave reservations

Highlights significant concerns and hesitations, often in a formal or professional setting.

acute distrust

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the lack of trust.

deep mistrust

Shifts focus to a lack of trust, implying a more personal or interpersonal context.

marked incredulity

Emphasizes the surprise or astonishment at something being unbelievable.

extreme cynicism

Suggests a more negative and pessimistic outlook, going beyond mere doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "intense skepticism" in a sentence?

You can use "intense skepticism" to describe a strong feeling of doubt towards something. For example, "The new findings were met with "intense skepticism" from the scientific community.".

What's the difference between "intense skepticism" and "mild skepticism"?

"Intense skepticism" indicates a strong disbelief or doubt, whereas "mild skepticism" suggests a lesser degree of doubt or uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "intense skepticism"?

Alternatives include "profound doubt", "deep misgivings", or "strong reservations", depending on the specific context.

Is "intense skepticism" the same as "disbelief"?

While related, ""intense skepticism"" implies a critical examination and doubt, while "disbelief" simply means not accepting something as true. Skepticism involves a more active questioning.