is skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is skeptical of" is correct and it can be used in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate a distrustful attitude toward someone or something. For example, "The public is skeptical of the new government's economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Petersen is skeptical of special biking shoes.

The New York Times - Books

Brandon is skeptical of that explanation.

The New Yorker

She is skeptical of the economic approach.

The New York Times

Rosenblum is skeptical of this theory.

The New Yorker

Epstein is skeptical of this theory.

The New Yorker

Soccer is skeptical of many things.

The Guardian - Sport

He is skeptical of what he sees.

The New York Times - Sports

But she is skeptical of that reading.

The New York Times - Health

Plus he is skeptical of the physical product.

The New York Times

So he is skeptical of using them to achieve diversification.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Brown's Department of Finance is skeptical of the proposed subsidy.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is skeptical of", ensure that the object of skepticism is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The scientist is skeptical of the new study's methodology" is more precise than "The scientist is skeptical."

Common error

Avoid using "is skeptical of" when you intend to express complete disbelief. Skepticism implies a degree of doubt and questioning, not necessarily outright rejection. Use stronger terms like "rejects" or "disproves" for complete disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is skeptical of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of doubt or questioning. It indicates that someone is not readily convinced or accepting of something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in expressing reservations or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is skeptical of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for expressing doubt or a questioning attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the object of skepticism and avoid substituting it for stronger expressions of disbelief. Related phrases like "is doubtful of" and "is wary of" offer nuanced alternatives for conveying different shades of doubt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is doubtful of

Indicates a state of disbelief or uncertainty, closely mirroring the meaning of skeptical but with a slightly less formal tone.

is dubious of

Expresses uncertainty or doubt, often suggesting a lack of credibility or trustworthiness.

is uncertain of

Expresses a lack of certainty or conviction about something, differing from skepticism which implies doubt.

is unconvinced of

Indicates that someone has not been persuaded or convinced, highlighting a lack of belief.

is unsure of

Indicates a lack of confidence or sureness, suggesting a milder form of doubt compared to skepticism.

is wary of

Suggests caution and a lack of trust, adding an element of apprehension to the sense of doubt.

is critical of

Focuses on expressing disapproval or finding fault, rather than simply doubting, adding a judgmental aspect.

is questionable of

Highlights the dubiousness or uncertainty of something, making it open to doubt or challenge.

is suspicious of

Implies a belief that something is wrong or dishonest, adding a negative connotation to the doubt.

is cynical of

Expresses a distrust of others' motives or a general pessimism about the world, adding a layer of disillusionment.

FAQs

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

Use "is skeptical of" to express doubt or a questioning attitude towards something. For example, "The analyst "is skeptical of" the company's growth projections".

What's the difference between "is skeptical of" and "is critical of"?

"Is skeptical of" implies doubt or uncertainty, while "is critical of" suggests disapproval or fault-finding. One might "be skeptical of" a claim due to lack of evidence, but "be critical of" a policy because they disagree with its goals.

What are some alternatives to "is skeptical of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is doubtful of", "is unsure of", or "is wary of" to express varying degrees of doubt or caution.

Is it appropriate to use "is skeptical of" in formal writing?

Yes, "is skeptical of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a questioning or doubting stance without being overly aggressive or dismissive. It shows you "are questioning" but still open to new data and evidences.