skeptical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skeptical of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about a particular idea, claim, or situation. Example: "Many scientists are skeptical of the new theory proposed by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm skeptical of skeptics, too".

Vice

Be skeptical of the intelligence.

The New York Times

I'm highly skeptical of that".

The New York Times

Petersen is skeptical of special biking shoes.

The New York Times - Books

Some were skeptical of the choice.

The New York Times

You are skeptical of that model, though.

The New York Times

Writer is more skeptical of the source.

The New Yorker

Both are skeptical of international institutions.

The New York Times

Regulators have generally been skeptical of shorts.

The New Yorker

Brandon is skeptical of that explanation.

The New Yorker

Americans are still skeptical of Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skeptical of", clearly state what you are skeptical about to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I am skeptical of the economic projections" is clearer than "I am skeptical."

Common error

Avoid using "skeptical of" when you actually mean to express cynicism. Skepticism involves a healthy questioning, while cynicism suggests a general distrust and negativity. For example, instead of saying "I'm skeptical of all politicians", which sounds cynical, consider saying "I'm skeptical of politicians' promises" to show a more reasoned doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeptical of" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a state of doubt or uncertainty regarding the truth or validity of something. Ludwig AI shows this clearly in examples like "I'm skeptical of skeptics, too" and "Americans are still skeptical of Washington."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skeptical of" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating its versatility and relevance. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what you are skeptical about to avoid ambiguity. While related phrases like "doubtful about" or "wary of" can be used as alternatives, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be careful not to confuse skepticism with cynicism, as the former implies reasoned doubt, while the latter suggests a general distrust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful about

Emphasizes uncertainty and disbelief regarding something.

dubious about

Suggests a stronger sense of doubt, implying something is probably not true or reliable.

questioning

Highlights the act of inquiring and examining something critically.

suspicious of

Implies a belief that someone or something may be dishonest or dangerous.

wary of

Suggests caution and a lack of trust due to potential risks or dangers.

unconvinced by

Focuses on the lack of persuasive power of an argument or evidence.

disbelieving of

Highlights the outright rejection of something as untrue or unfounded.

having doubts about

A more verbose way of expressing uncertainty and hesitation.

not buying

An informal expression indicating disbelief or rejection of an idea.

taking with a grain of salt

Suggests being cautious and not fully accepting something at face value.

FAQs

How do I use "skeptical of" in a sentence?

Use "skeptical of" to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example, "Many analysts were "skeptical of" that headline" or "I'm "skeptical of" this chair".

What are some alternatives to "skeptical of"?

You can use alternatives like "doubtful about", "dubious about", "suspicious of", or "wary of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While both suggest a questioning attitude, "critical of" implies a more active and potentially negative evaluation, whereas ""skeptical of"" simply suggests a lack of certainty or belief.

What is the difference between being "skeptical of" and being "cynical of" something?

"Skeptical of" suggests a questioning attitude and a need for evidence, while "cynical of" implies a general distrust and a belief that people are motivated by selfishness. Skepticism is often based on reason, while cynicism is rooted in disillusionment.