significant skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a considerable amount of doubt or disbelief regarding a particular idea, claim, or situation. Example: "The scientist expressed significant skepticism about the validity of the new research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But significant skepticism confronts the plan.

The New York Times

Mr. Anderson's approach, despite significant skepticism when he arrived, connected with American consumers.

The New York Times

As Douglass's statement revealed, significant skepticism abounded in the black community.

The New York Times

It is an effort well worth pursuing if it is tempered with significant skepticism.

The New York Times

Even as the government has taken a benign view of BCE's efforts, Mr. Monty's campaign has engendered significant skepticism among some analysts.

The New York Times

Susan L. Decker, Yahoo president, will also be considered for the job, although analysts say anyone from Yahoo's current leadership would encounter significant skepticism from investors.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Critics of the dam say it is significant that skepticism of the project extends even to the scientists who were hired by the Chinese project managers to assess it.

The New York Times

The United States and North Korea were in a similar situation in 1994 when the Clinton administration was negotiating the Agreed Framework despite significant congressional skepticism.

Huffington Post

We had expected that critical comments may reflect significant other skepticism about illness legitimacy; however, many comments reflected significant other beliefs in a genuine illness (see supplemental material).

Health Psychology

Perhaps most significant is the skepticism emanating from the reigning tennis establishment — the officials and the authorities who effectively control the game.

The New Yorker

Her turnaround plan has yet to produce significant results, prompting skepticism about her strategy and whether she is right for the job.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant skepticism" when you want to convey a notable degree of doubt, especially in situations where a more neutral term like "question" would be too weak.

Common error

While "significant skepticism" is appropriate in formal and professional settings, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "doubt" or "hesitation" might be more suitable for everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant skepticism" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "skepticism". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the presence of substantial doubt or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant skepticism" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a notable level of doubt or disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts. Its formality makes it suited to professional and academic settings. Related phrases include "considerable doubt" and "substantial reservation", offering similar nuances. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable doubt

Emphasizes the amount of doubt present.

substantial reservation

Highlights a feeling of holding back full agreement.

marked uncertainty

Focuses on the noticeable lack of certainty.

profound misgiving

Indicates a deep feeling of unease or doubt.

notable apprehension

Stresses the awareness of potential problems or risks.

serious qualms

Highlights the presence of significant worries or concerns.

deep-seated suspicion

Suggests a firmly established sense of distrust.

widespread disbelief

Indicates that many people do not believe something.

strong incredulity

Emphasizes a powerful feeling of being unable to believe something.

palpable distrust

Focuses on the ease with which distrust can be sensed.

FAQs

How to use "significant skepticism" in a sentence?

You can use "significant skepticism" to describe a strong feeling of doubt. For example, "Analysts expressed "significant skepticism" about the company's future prospects."

What can I say instead of "significant skepticism"?

You can use alternatives like "considerable doubt", "substantial reservation", or "marked uncertainty" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "significant skepticism" or "a lot of skepticism"?

"Significant skepticism" is more formal and often preferred in professional or academic writing. "A lot of skepticism" is more informal but perfectly acceptable in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "significant skepticism" and "mild skepticism"?

"Significant skepticism" implies a strong and noteworthy level of doubt, while "mild skepticism" suggests a less intense or more hesitant form of doubt. The choice depends on the degree of disbelief you want to convey.