skeptical look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skeptical look" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to give a look that expresses doubt or disbelief. You can use it in any situation where someone is showing doubt or disbelief through their facial expression. Here are some examples: - She gave him a skeptical look when he promised to finish the project on time. - The audience gave the politician a skeptical look as he made unrealistic promises. - The teacher gave a skeptical look to the student who claimed their dog ate their homework. - He raised his eyebrows in a skeptical look as she told him the outrageous price of the dress. - The detective gave the suspect a skeptical look as he tried to explain his alibi.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Jake gave his sister a skeptical look.

The New Yorker

He shot me a skeptical look.

The New York Times - Magazine

My wife and I exchanged a skeptical look.

The New York Times

He gave me a skeptical look, but nodded.

The New Yorker

L Pool's Canadian documentary takes a skeptical look at corporate involvement in breast cancer fund-raising.

The New York Times

Léa Pool's Canadian documentary takes a skeptical look at corporate involvement in breast cancer fund-raising.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Skeptical looks were obvious on many faces in the room.

The New York Times

They didn't meet with any resistance or hostility, although they did get a few skeptical looks.

The New York Times - Magazine

So when we tell friends we have added a gas-powered weapon to our outdoor cooking arsenal, we get very skeptical looks.

The New York Times - Food

One might think this would be an indisputable virtue, but in certain quarters, working in meter can still earn you skeptical looks.

The New York Times - Books

Though he was skeptical, looking behind doors and under tables in advance of the proceedings, he quickly fell under the spell of these events, enthusiastically recording what he saw.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skeptical look" to describe a facial expression that conveys doubt or disbelief, ensuring the context supports this interpretation. It's particularly effective when highlighting a character's reaction to surprising or questionable information.

Common error

Avoid using "skeptical look" when a stronger expression of disbelief or shock is more appropriate. While "skeptical look" implies doubt, it may not adequately convey extreme incredulity or outrage. Consider using phrases like "incredulous stare" or "disbelieving expression" for heightened emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeptical look" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., gave a "skeptical look") or as part of a descriptive clause, modifying a person or situation. This usage is supported by various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skeptical look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and prevalence in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended intensity of the emotion and consider alternatives like "doubtful gaze" or "suspicious glance" to fine-tune the nuance. Avoid using it in situations where a stronger expression of incredulity is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful gaze

Emphasizes the visual aspect of doubt; focuses on the eyes expressing disbelief.

incredulous stare

Highlights disbelief or shock, more intense than a simple "skeptical look".

suspicious glance

Suggests distrust or a belief that something is wrong or hidden.

disbelieving expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression rather than just the look in the eyes.

cynical observation

Implies a negative or pessimistic assessment underlying the look.

dubious assessment

Highlights the uncertainty, often with implied criticism or analysis.

questioning gaze

Indicates curiosity or a desire for more information, differing from outright skepticism.

wary glance

Suggests caution and a lack of trust, often implying potential danger.

distrustful gaze

Emphasizes a lack of trust; suggests a more guarded or suspicious demeanor.

pessimistic view

Indicates a general expectation of negative outcomes, coloring the way something is perceived.

FAQs

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

You can use "skeptical look" to describe someone's expression when they are doubtful or disbelieving. For example: "She gave his explanation a "skeptical look", clearly unconvinced by his story."

What's a less common way to say "skeptical look"?

Alternatives to "skeptical look" include "doubtful gaze", "suspicious glance", or "incredulous stare", each adding a slightly different nuance to the expression of doubt.

Is "skeptical look" grammatically correct?

Yes, "skeptical look" is grammatically correct. It's a noun phrase that describes a facial expression conveying doubt or disbelief, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

What emotions does a "skeptical look" typically convey?

A "skeptical look" primarily conveys doubt, disbelief, or uncertainty. It suggests the person is questioning the validity or truthfulness of something, and may also imply distrust or a need for further evidence.