skepticism of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skepticism of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to doubt or question something. Here are some examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. The politician's constant flip-flopping has caused skepticism of his true intentions among voters. 2. There is a growing skepticism of the pharmaceutical industry and the effectiveness of their products. 3. The author's skeptical tone in the book reflects his deep skepticism of government policies. 4. Many scientists are approaching this new theory with skepticism of its validity. 5. The company's history of unethical practices has led to a general skepticism of their business practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The skepticism of his native readers isn't just snobbish, though.

The New Yorker

Skepticism of government's ability to improve people's lives runs deep.

The New Yorker

Mentions the public skepticism of money-minded preachers.

The New Yorker

I have a built-in skepticism of dogma".

The New York Times - Arts

Klein has a well-known skepticism of power and authority.

The New Yorker

But he hasn't abandoned the skepticism of technology.

The New York Times

A low turnout reflected popular skepticism of the political process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"She starts with a skepticism of markets and a skepticism of the ability of consumers to make sensible choices".

The New York Times

"There's still some skepticism of online education," he said.

The New York Times

Regarding AIDS, his skepticism of accepted science made headlines worldwide.

The New York Times

Day's later career choices reflected a skepticism of new mores.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing "skepticism of" an idea, clearly articulate the reasons for your doubt to provide context and encourage constructive discussion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "skepticism of" something as outright rejection without considering potential merits. Balance doubt with open-mindedness to foster critical thinking rather than dismissiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skepticism of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to express doubt, uncertainty, or a questioning attitude towards a particular subject, idea, or entity. As Ludwig shows, it is commonly used across various contexts to indicate a critical perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skepticism of" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express doubt or a questioning attitude towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to signal a lack of complete confidence, prompting further examination. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias and science. To enhance clarity, articulate the reasons for your doubt and avoid overstating your skepticism. Alternatives such as "doubt of", "mistrust of", and "uncertainty of" can offer nuanced expressions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey your "skepticism of" in a clear, and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt of

Directly expresses uncertainty about the truth or validity of something.

mistrust of

Highlights a lack of trust or confidence, implying suspicion.

distrust of

Indicates a lack of reliance or faith in something.

suspicion of

Suggests a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest without proof.

disbelief of

Indicates an inability to accept something as true or real.

uncertainty of

Focuses on the lack of certainty or sureness, rather than active doubt.

questioning of

Emphasizes the act of asking or expressing doubts about something.

cynicism of

Emphasizes a negative view, suggesting a belief that people are motivated by self-interest.

reservations about

Highlights concerns or doubts that one has about something.

lack of faith in

Points to a deficiency in trust or confidence in something.

FAQs

How can I use "skepticism of" in a sentence?

You can use "skepticism of" to express doubt or reservation about something. For example, "There's a growing skepticism of the company's claims".

What are some alternatives to "skepticism of"?

Alternatives include "doubt of", "mistrust of", or "uncertainty of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "skepticism about" or "skepticism of"?

While both can be used, "skepticism of" is often used to express doubt towards something specific, whereas "skepticism about" is more general. The choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "skepticism of" differ from "cynicism of"?

"Skepticism of" implies a questioning attitude, while "cynicism of" suggests a more pessimistic and distrustful view, often believing the worst about people or motives.