marked skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marked skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or noticeable level of doubt or disbelief regarding a particular statement or situation. Example: "The scientist expressed marked skepticism about the validity of the new research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although few later Behaviorist psychologists (or their philosophical allies) expressed themselves on the matter in quite the strong and explicit terms sometimes used by Watson, the era of Behaviorist psychology is characterized by a marked skepticism about imagery (if not its existence, at least its psychological importance) amongst both psychologists and philosophers.

SEP

As a criminal defense lawyer, he routinely cross-examined police and came to view them with marked skepticism.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There was a concerted effort to keep us on message," Mr. Chaffetz said, referring to a Republican leadership marked by "skepticism and hesitation".

The New York Times

Steinberg said Clark's disruption was inappropriate, but the moment revealed undercurrents of frustration and tension in a community marked by skepticism of police accountability.

The Washington Post

European structuralism found little echo in the United States, but poststructuralist theorists such as Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, and Jacques Derrida found a welcome in the less-political atmosphere, marked by skepticism and defeat, that followed the 1960s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In all, the administration's comments represented a new low in its relations with Mr. Arafat, which have always been marked by skepticism and worsened with his repeated denial of Palestinian involvement in the arms shipment.

The New York Times

But that call for "patience" was followed by words marked by skepticism.

Los Angeles Times

Florida's unemployment agency also ruled earlier this year that drivers are employees, and federal judges in San Francisco ordered jury trials in a pair of cases against Uber and Lyft that wrestle with the employment question, marking potential skepticism of Uber's independent contractor argument.

The Washington Post

This position contrasts with the extreme skepticism that marked all phases of Homeric criticism during the previous century.

Britannica

He thinks that much of the skepticism is marked by distaste for the notion that an important portrait might have made its way over the sea to the colonies.

The New Yorker

In 1835 he published Wally, die Zweiflerin ("Wally, the Doubter"), an attack on marriage, coloured by religious skepticism, that marked the beginning of the revolt of the Young Germany movement against Romanticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked skepticism" to convey a strong and readily apparent sense of doubt or disbelief. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize the degree of skepticism.

Common error

While "marked skepticism" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler expressions like "strong doubts" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked skepticism" functions as a noun phrase, where "marked" modifies the noun "skepticism". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marked skepticism" is a grammatically sound and acceptable phrase used to convey a strong and noticeable sense of doubt or disbelief. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for formal contexts, like news reports or academic papers. While it's not overly common, it effectively communicates a clear lack of conviction. Alternatives such as "considerable doubt" or "pronounced skepticism" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, ensure the level of formality aligns with your target audience, opting for simpler language in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable doubt

Emphasizes the extent of the doubt.

noticeable disbelief

Highlights the visibility of the disbelief.

pronounced skepticism

Focuses on the clear and definite nature of the skepticism.

evident mistrust

Shifts the focus to a lack of trust that is easily seen.

strong reservations

Indicates significant hesitations or objections.

deep-seated skepticism

Suggests a deeply ingrained sense of doubt.

palpable incredulity

Highlights the tangibility and obviousness of the disbelief.

serious misgivings

Emphasizes concerns that are significant and worrisome.

intense cynicism

Conveys a strong feeling of distrust and negativity.

extreme doubt

Highlights the highest level of doubt and uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "marked skepticism" to describe someone's strong doubts about a claim or situation. For example, "The proposal was met with "marked skepticism" from the board members".

What are some alternatives to "marked skepticism"?

Alternatives include "considerable doubt", "pronounced skepticism", or "noticeable disbelief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "marked skepticism" formal or informal?

"Marked skepticism" is suitable for formal writing and speech. In more casual settings, simpler expressions like "strong doubts" or "a lot of skepticism" may be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "marked skepticism"?

Use "marked skepticism" when you want to emphasize the significant and obvious nature of the doubt or disbelief. It's particularly effective when describing reactions to controversial or questionable claims.