skeptical of that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skeptical of that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about a specific idea or claim. Example: "She was skeptical of that explanation." Alternative expressions include "doubtful about that" and "questioning that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I'm highly skeptical of that".

The New York Times

You are skeptical of that model, though.

The New York Times

Brandon is skeptical of that explanation.

The New Yorker

However, Republicans were skeptical of that approach.

The New York Times

Many analysts were skeptical of that headline.

The New York Times

Historians have been skeptical of that claim, however.

The New York Times

General Clark has long been skeptical of that link.

The New York Times

So be skeptical of that Property Misdescriptions Act.

The New York Times

Sarah Johnson, of the Philadelphia Orchestra, is skeptical of that approach.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's the nature of things that every new generation tends to be skeptical of those that came before it.

Huffington Post

Otherwise, her strategy is mostly reactive; she's skeptical of ventures that focus heavily on advertising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skeptical of that", ensure the context clearly identifies what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, instead of simply saying, "I'm skeptical of that", specify, "I'm skeptical of that claim regarding the company's growth prospects".

Common error

Avoid using "skeptical of that" when you intend to express outright rejection or disbelief. "Skeptical" implies a degree of doubt, but not necessarily complete dismissal. Use stronger language if you want to convey complete disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skeptical of that" functions as an adjectival phrase expressing doubt or disbelief regarding a previously mentioned statement or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to indicate a questioning attitude. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from news articles to scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skeptical of that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express doubt or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While "doubtful about that" or "questioning that" can serve as alternatives, understanding the context is crucial for accurately conveying the intended level of doubt. Ensure clarity by explicitly referencing what "that" refers to, avoiding potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful about that

Emphasizes uncertainty or disbelief regarding something.

questioning that

Highlights the act of inquiring or expressing reservations about something.

dubious of that

Suggests a stronger sense of disbelief or suspicion.

unconvinced by that

Focuses on the lack of persuasion or acceptance of something.

not buying that

An informal expression indicating strong disbelief or rejection.

taking that with a grain of salt

Indicates a cautious acceptance, acknowledging potential exaggeration or inaccuracy.

reserving judgment on that

Implies a temporary withholding of opinion until further information is available.

not entirely persuaded of that

Expresses partial doubt or incomplete agreement.

having reservations about that

Highlights concerns or hesitations regarding something.

finding that hard to believe

Directly expresses difficulty in accepting something as true.

FAQs

How to use "skeptical of that" in a sentence?

You can use "skeptical of that" to express doubt or uncertainty about a statement, idea, or claim. For example: "Analysts are "skeptical of that" projection" or "I remain "skeptical of that" approach".

What can I say instead of "skeptical of that"?

You can use alternatives like "doubtful about that", "questioning that", or "dubious of that" depending on the context and the degree of skepticism you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "skeptical about that" or "skeptical of that"?

Both "skeptical about that" and "skeptical of that" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though ""skeptical of that"" might be slightly more prevalent in formal writing.

What does it mean to be "skeptical of" something?

To be ""skeptical of that"" means to have doubts or reservations about its truth, validity, or likelihood. It suggests a cautious or questioning attitude rather than outright disbelief.