sceptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sceptical of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or a lack of conviction about something or someone. Example: "She was sceptical of the claims made by the advertisement, believing they were exaggerated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Microsoft is sceptical, of course.

The Economist

(Defence experts are sceptical of this claim).

The Economist

I am sceptical of this story.

The Economist

Pardew was sceptical of that interpretation.

The Guardian - Sport

He was sceptical of EPA's conclusions.

The Guardian

"They were sceptical of its effects.

The Guardian

Others were sceptical of the household survey.

The Guardian - Business

Regular users are sceptical of the review.

The Guardian

Garrow was sceptical of her claims.

The Guardian

I'm sceptical of such media reports.

The Guardian

JL: Ach, I'm sceptical of those figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, ensure that the object of your skepticism is clearly identified. For instance, specify "sceptical of the proposed budget" rather than simply stating "sceptical".

Common error

Avoid using "sceptical of" when you mean to express complete disbelief or rejection. "Sceptical" implies a degree of doubt and inquiry, not outright denial. Consider using stronger terms like "disbelieving" or "rejecting" if you intend to convey complete opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sceptical of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing doubt or a lack of conviction towards something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sceptical of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express doubt or reservation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase is common, nuance is important to ensure that "sceptical of" is used to express doubt, not outright disbelief. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively convey their skepticism with precision and clarity. Considering related phrases like "doubtful about" and "suspicious of" can further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful about

Focuses on uncertainty and questioning, rather than outright disbelief.

suspicious of

Emphasizes a lack of trust and a belief that something is wrong or deceptive.

questioning

Implies an active process of seeking more information due to doubts.

dubious about

Conveys a sense of uncertainty and potential untruth.

unconvinced about

Highlights a lack of persuasion or belief.

mistrustful of

Strongly implies a lack of faith or confidence in someone or something.

wary of

Suggests caution and a need to be careful due to potential risks.

cynical about

Expresses a belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

incredulous of

Indicates disbelief or astonishment, often in response to surprising information.

not buying

An informal way to express a lack of belief in a claim or explanation.

FAQs

What's the difference between "sceptical of" and "suspicious of"?

"Sceptical of" generally means having doubts about something's truth or validity based on evidence or reasoning. "Suspicious of" implies a stronger sense of distrust, often suggesting a belief that something is wrong or dishonest.

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

You can use "sceptical of" to express doubt about a claim, idea, or person. For example, "I am sceptical of the company's promises" or "She was sceptical of his intentions".

What can I say instead of "sceptical of"?

You can use alternatives like "doubtful about", "questioning", or "unconvinced about" depending on the context.

Is it better to be "sceptical of" or "critical of" something?

Being "sceptical of" implies a thoughtful examination and questioning before acceptance. Being "critical of" often suggests a more negative evaluation, focusing on flaws and shortcomings. The better choice depends on the context and your intent.