skeptical about whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skeptical about whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty regarding a particular situation or statement. Example: "She was skeptical about whether the new policy would actually improve employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Many economists are skeptical about whether it does much good.

The New Yorker

We are skeptical about whether technology alone can improve relationships between people.

Harvard University

But even Mr. Tauber is skeptical about whether huge numbers of Germans will follow his example.

The New York Times

Some retailers are skeptical about whether the new regulations will make much difference.

The New York Times

The Obama administration is skeptical about whether this approach might work.

The New York Times

But they are openly skeptical about whether there are practical uses for it.

The New York Times

People are really skeptical about whether things are going to take another long time for recovery".

The New York Times

Now, I know people are skeptical about whether Washington can bring about this change.

The Washington Post

Some inspectors remain skeptical about whether Dr. Hindawi was really an unwilling participant in the program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm skeptical about whether Biden is interested in, or capable of, implementing a mobilization strategy.

The Washington Post

Now I know people are skeptical about whether Washington can bring about this change.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skeptical about whether" when you want to express doubt or uncertainty regarding a specific situation or statement. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "skeptical about whether" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I doubt if..." or "I'm not sure if..." to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeptical about whether" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of doubt or uncertainty regarding a condition or event. It introduces a subordinate clause indicating the object of skepticism, as seen in Ludwig examples where people are "skeptical about whether technology alone can improve relationships between people."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skeptical about whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific discussions. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to consider the audience and choose alternative expressions for casual conversations. When writing, remember to maintain consistency with the appropriate register and to provide sufficient context to make the expression clear and effective. Top sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Science Magazine frequently employ this phrase, which can be replaced by "doubtful about whether", "unsure about whether", or "uncertain about whether".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful about whether

Replaces "skeptical" with "doubtful", indicating a similar level of uncertainty but potentially a milder form of disbelief.

unsure about whether

Uses "unsure" instead of "skeptical", suggesting a lack of certainty or confidence in a particular outcome or statement.

dubious about whether

Substitutes "skeptical" with "dubious", implying a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion.

questioning whether

Replaces the adjective with a verb, shifting the focus to the act of questioning the validity or likelihood of something.

uncertain about whether

Similar to "unsure", but can also convey a slightly more formal tone.

having doubts about whether

Expresses doubt in a more explicit way by using the noun "doubts".

not convinced about whether

Indicates that one is not persuaded or certain about something.

taking a dim view of whether

Expresses a pessimistic perspective on the likelihood or possibility of something.

harboring reservations about whether

Suggests a more subtle or unspoken doubt about something.

inclined to disbelieve whether

Emphasizes the inclination to reject or not accept something as true.

FAQs

How can I use "skeptical about whether" in a sentence?

You can use "skeptical about whether" to express doubt or uncertainty about a particular outcome or situation. For example: "The analysts were "skeptical about whether" the company could meet its ambitious growth targets."

What are some alternatives to "skeptical about whether"?

Alternatives include phrases like "doubtful about whether", "unsure about whether", or "uncertain about whether", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "skeptical about if" or "skeptical about whether"?

While "if" can sometimes be used informally, "whether" is generally preferred in formal writing and speech when expressing doubt or uncertainty about two or more possibilities. Therefore, "skeptical about whether" is the more grammatically sound choice.

What does it mean to be "skeptical about whether" something is true?

Being "skeptical about whether" something is true means you have doubts or reservations about its validity. You are not fully convinced and require more evidence or proof before accepting it as fact.