skepticism toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skepticism toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone's attitude of questioning or doubting the truth or accuracy of something. For example: John expresses skepticism toward the government's new policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was skepticism toward Carson, too.

The Guardian

Still, the skepticism toward business is pervasive in certain sectors.

The New York Times

"Like the fellow said, a humorous skepticism toward everything".

The New Yorker

"The commission has demonstrated unreasonable skepticism toward collaboration by health care providers," Mr. Balto said.

The New York Times - Health

So your default position should be one of skepticism toward the numbers having moved very much.

The New York Times

The documents reflect their skepticism toward the generals and admirals who run the armed forces.

The New Yorker

Woody Allen's "Magic in the Moonlight" expresses a longing for, and a skepticism toward, the supernatural.

The New Yorker

But diplomats also reported a deep skepticism toward some elements of the Burmese pro-democracy movement.

The New York Times

It also takes a research culture that promotes a healthy skepticism toward standard medical practice.

The New York Times

But she's also a construct, a receptacle of our skepticism toward cultural scions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is no minor feat, given a prevailing national skepticism toward the government's role in education.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "skepticism toward" a person or institution, be specific about the reasons for the doubt to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "skepticism toward" when you actually mean cynicism. Skepticism is a healthy questioning attitude, while cynicism implies a negative belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skepticism toward" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a feeling or attitude of doubt, questioning, or disbelief directed at someone or something. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skepticism toward" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys doubt or a questioning attitude, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, remember to differentiate it from cynicism, which carries a more negative connotation. As the examples from Ludwig show, the phrase is best used to express a measured doubt towards something, leaving room for potential persuasion with sufficient evidence. Recognizing its nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance the precision and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt concerning

Indicates uncertainty about something, often questioning its validity or truth.

distrust of

Implies a lack of confidence or reliance on someone or something.

mistrust towards

Similar to distrust, but may suggest a more personal or emotional feeling of unease.

cynicism regarding

Shifts from general doubt to a belief that people are generally motivated by self-interest.

questioning of

Highlights the act of asking doubts or seeking clarification.

reservations about

Suggests a holding back of complete acceptance or agreement.

hesitancy regarding

Emphasizes a pause or reluctance before acting or believing something.

disbelief in

Stronger term indicating a firm refusal to accept something as true.

apprehension about

Focuses on feelings of anxiety or fear about potential negative outcomes.

lack of faith in

Indicates a complete absence of confidence or trust.

FAQs

How do I use "skepticism toward" in a sentence?

You can use "skepticism toward" to describe someone's attitude of doubt or questioning. For example, "The public expressed "skepticism toward" the proposed policy change."

What are some alternatives to "skepticism toward"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "doubt concerning", "distrust of", or "reservations about".

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

Both "skepticism toward" and "skepticism about" are correct and commonly used, but "skepticism toward" is slightly more formal and often used when the object of skepticism is a person or institution.

What is the difference between "skepticism toward" and "cynicism regarding"?

"Skepticism toward" implies a questioning attitude, whereas "cynicism regarding" suggests a belief that people are generally self-interested and dishonest.