makes me skeptical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes me skeptical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about something, indicating that it causes you to question its validity or truth. Example: "The lack of evidence in the report makes me skeptical about the claims being made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That makes me skeptical.

The New York Times

That's not what makes me skeptical, however.

The New York Times

What makes me skeptical is the way psychotherapy has become medicalized.

The New York Times

That makes me skeptical of his motives — and if this sketchy transaction was indeed his intent, he drifts back into unethical territory.

The New York Times - Magazine

More than any of its positions, this sort of intellectual slipperiness about the past is what makes me skeptical of the future of the Foreign Policy Initiative, started by two of PNAC's original founders.

The New Yorker

But its seeming plausibility makes me skeptical when liberals like Jonathan Chait respond to critiques of their party's cravenness on middle class taxes by saying confidently that "at some point, we will likely face a choice of cutting benefits or raising taxes, and in the face of a simple, zero-sum choice like that, voters would overwhelmingly favor tax hikes".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Failure has made me skeptical about outcomes, which has influenced how I run First Wind.

The New York Times

Its actions in recent months make me skeptical that it will do so, at least before 2012.

The New Yorker

The whole situation, added Ms. Gaither, a nurse's assistant, "would just make me skeptical about what crowd of white people I put him around".

The New York Times

The weariness brought upon by this revolving door of bad actors has made me skeptical that all this social-media-borne sturm und drang will change anything at all.

The Guardian - Music

Commentators have said that Google Voice could be threatening to both these companies and to more "traditional" telecoms, but four factors make me skeptical.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "makes me skeptical" to introduce a reasoned doubt, backing it with specific observations or evidence. This strengthens your argument and shows critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "makes me skeptical" without providing context or reasons. This can weaken your statement and make you sound dismissive rather than analytical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes me skeptical" functions as a subjective expression of doubt or disbelief. It indicates a personal reaction to information or a situation, signaling that the speaker questions its validity or reliability. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to introduce a counter-argument or a critical perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes me skeptical" is a common and grammatically correct way to express doubt or uncertainty. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts to introduce a critical perspective. To enhance clarity and impact, it's best to justify your skepticism with specific reasons or evidence. While versatile, ensure the tone is appropriate for your intended audience. Some alternatives are raises doubts, prompts uncertainty, or, informally, I'm not buying it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm not entirely convinced

Expresses a partial lack of conviction, suggesting openness to persuasion but current doubt.

I'm dubious about that

Uses the adjective 'dubious' to express doubt or hesitation about something.

I have my reservations

Indicates that the speaker has concerns or doubts that prevent full agreement or acceptance.

causes me to doubt

Emphasizes the causation of doubt, focusing on the reason for skepticism.

that seems questionable to me

Indicates that something appears doubtful or open to question in the speaker's view.

that raises my suspicions

Shifts the focus to suspicion, implying a belief that something might be wrong or deceitful.

I'm wary of that

Expresses a sense of caution or mistrust towards something, implying potential danger or problems.

I'm inclined to disbelieve

Highlights a predisposition towards disbelief, suggesting a leaning away from accepting something.

I view that with uncertainty

Highlights the uncertainty associated with a particular viewpoint.

I'm not buying it

A more informal way of expressing disbelief or skepticism, suggesting the speaker doesn't accept the presented idea.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "makes me skeptical" in a formal context?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "raises doubts", "prompts uncertainty", or "engenders skepticism" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "makes me skeptical" and "makes me suspicious"?

"Makes me skeptical" indicates a general doubt or questioning of validity. "Makes me suspicious", on the other hand, suggests a belief that something dishonest or illegal might be happening. Suspicion implies distrust and a potential for wrongdoing, while skepticism is a more neutral assessment of credibility.

Is it appropriate to use "makes me skeptical" in academic writing?

Yes, "makes me skeptical" is appropriate in academic writing when used to express a reasoned doubt based on evidence or analysis. However, avoid using it excessively or without proper justification, as it can weaken your argument. Instead, provide specific reasons for your skepticism.

What are some informal alternatives to "makes me skeptical"?

Informal alternatives include "I'm not buying it", "I doubt it", or "I'm not convinced". These phrases are suitable for casual conversations but might not be appropriate for formal writing or professional settings.