sceptical look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sceptical look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that indicates doubt or disbelief about something being said or done. Example: "When he proposed the idea, she gave him a sceptical look, clearly unsure about its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Don't give me that sceptical look.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has the same incredulous, sceptical look I do.

The Economist

"I want my grandad back, you see," she says, facing down my sceptical look.

The Guardian - Arts

I give him a sceptical look as he stands well back, and I swing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her anger simmered subtly in every story – a curt phrase, a sceptical look.

The Guardian

Argentina's media took a sceptical look at industrial lobbyists' claims of a mass exodus, and found them exaggerated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But I remain sceptical looking at the bigger context.

The Guardian

Villagers who were there gave sceptical looks, but did not correct his statement.

The New York Times

Four anxious weeks went by in this state, not made any the less anxious by the sceptical looks I received from people whenever I tried to describe the nature of the theatrical piece we were trying to create.

The Guardian - Books

At first they were sceptical, looking at it on both sides, but then humbly crossed themselves and returned home petrified by the wonder they had seen.

Wikipedia

I was getting very sceptical looks from people and my pals in Cambridge: 'Tim's gone off his rocker'.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, pair "sceptical look" with verbs like 'give', 'receive', 'cast', or 'sport' to add nuance and detail.

Common error

Avoid using "sceptical look" to imply outright disagreement or hostility. Scepticism involves thoughtful questioning; ensure the context reflects genuine inquiry rather than immediate dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sceptical look" functions as a noun phrase, where "sceptical" modifies the noun "look". It typically acts as the object of a verb, describing a facial expression that conveys doubt or questioning. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe reactions to statements or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sceptical look" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting an expression of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's most commonly found in news and media, serving to express questioning without explicit statements. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Alternatives such as "doubtful gaze" or "incredulous stare" offer nuanced variations. It's essential to use "sceptical look" to imply thoughtful inquiry rather than outright hostility. With its clear meaning and widespread recognition, "sceptical look" remains a valuable tool for writers and speakers aiming to convey nuanced reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful gaze

Replaces 'look' with 'gaze' and 'sceptical' with 'doubtful', slightly softening the intensity.

dubious gaze

Similar to doubtful gaze, but can imply a stronger sense of moral uncertainty.

incredulous stare

Emphasizes disbelief and surprise, making the expression stronger.

disbelieving expression

Focuses on the outward display of disbelief rather than the specific emotion of scepticism.

unconvinced expression

Focuses on a lack of persuasion, rather than an active sense of doubt or disbelief.

questioning glance

Highlights the aspect of inquiry and uncertainty, reducing the emphasis on doubt.

suspicious gaze

Suggests distrust or suspicion, adding a negative connotation.

wary glance

Emphasizes caution and apprehension, indicating a lack of trust.

cynical expression

Indicates a general distrust of others' motives, which is a stronger form of scepticism.

distrustful look

Directly conveys a lack of trust, making it more explicit than scepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "sceptical look" in a sentence?

You can use "sceptical look" to describe someone's expression when they are doubtful or questioning something. For example, "She gave him a "sceptical look" when he claimed to have won the lottery."

What is a good alternative to "sceptical look"?

Alternatives include "doubtful gaze", "incredulous stare", or "questioning glance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does a "sceptical look" imply?

A "sceptical look" implies that someone is not readily convinced and requires more evidence or reasoning before accepting a statement or idea. It suggests a critical and questioning attitude.

Is it correct to say someone "looked sceptical"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying someone "looked sceptical" is a common way to describe their expression. "Sceptical look" refers to the expression itself, while "looked sceptical" describes the action of displaying that expression.