some eyebrows were raised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some eyebrows were raised" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that people were surprised, skeptical, or disapproving about something that was said or done. Example: "When the CEO announced the sudden layoffs, it was clear that some eyebrows were raised among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

SOME eyebrows were raised when Gov. John G. Rowland talked so openly recently about closing the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The New York Times

Although the diners were impressed, some eyebrows were raised at the price of the meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some eyebrows were raised at this material, but Schrödinger's friend Albert Einstein would have seen nothing amiss in it.

Nature

Some eyebrows were raised yesterday when Representative Charles B. Rangel, a key supporter of Mr. Ferrer, met with Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Some eyebrows were raised and influential voices lifted to ask why have a royal family if it behaves just like any other family.

The Economist

Some eyebrows were raised when he was omitted from the BBC's coverage of the royal wedding in 2011, as Huw Edwards was chosen instead.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Chief constables may continue to find lucrative work as national newspaper columnists, but it is hard to believe they will do so without some eyebrows being raised.

The Guardian

Some Labour eyebrows were raised at the decision to have such a clear reminder of the war at next week's funeral because it claimed the lives of 255 Britons and  649 Argentinians.

Independent

Sure, there was some vagueness about measurable outcomes, some faintly cod-sounding neuroscience; eyebrows were raised at revelations of kids being handed envelopes of cash, some allegedly spending it on drugs.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Katherine Garrett-Cox was appointed chief investment officer at Aberdeen Asset Management in 2000, eyebrows were raised in some areas of the City when she revealed she was pregnant with her second child and would be off for four months.

The Guardian - Business

It only really became a hit in the UK on its second release, in support of the contract-fulfilling compilation Island Life in 1985, and on closer inspection, eyebrows were raised at some of the lyrical content, which could be interpreted as a large metaphor for anal sex.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some eyebrows were raised" to subtly indicate disapproval or surprise without being overly critical. It's a nuanced way to introduce potential controversy or skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "some eyebrows were raised" in highly formal or academic writing. While widely understood, it may be perceived as too informal for certain contexts. Opt for more direct and neutral language like "it prompted questions" or "it was met with skepticism."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some eyebrows were raised" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a reaction of surprise, skepticism, or disapproval to a particular event, statement, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some eyebrows were raised" is a common idiomatic expression used to subtly indicate surprise, skepticism, or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. It's a versatile phrase that allows a writer to convey negative reactions without being overly critical. While generally suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "it raised a few eyebrows" or "it sparked disbelief" can be considered based on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it raised a few eyebrows

This alternative is a slightly less emphatic version of the original phrase.

it was met with skepticism

This alternative highlights the doubt and questioning nature of the response.

it caused surprise

This alternative is a more direct and less idiomatic way of saying that something caused astonishment.

it was viewed with suspicion

This alternative emphasizes the distrust and doubt associated with the event or statement.

it sparked disbelief

This alternative emphasizes the lack of belief or incredulity that something generated.

it caused consternation

This alternative suggests a stronger sense of anxiety or dismay.

it drew criticism

This alternative focuses on the negative reactions and disapproval that something received.

it invited scrutiny

This alternative suggests that something caused careful and critical examination.

it prompted questions

This alternative indicates that something caused people to inquire or investigate further.

it generated controversy

This alternative highlights the divisive nature and disagreement that something provoked.

FAQs

What does "some eyebrows were raised" mean?

The phrase "some eyebrows were raised" means that a statement or action caused surprise, disbelief, or disapproval among certain people. It suggests a mild level of controversy or skepticism.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "some eyebrows were raised"?

It's appropriate to use "some eyebrows were raised" when you want to subtly indicate that something was met with surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval, without being overtly critical or judgmental. It's often used in news reporting or narrative writing.

What are some alternatives to "some eyebrows were raised"?

You can use alternatives like "it raised a few eyebrows", "it sparked disbelief", or "it drew criticism" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "some eyebrows were raised" considered formal or informal?

"Some eyebrows were raised" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. It is suitable for news articles, general writing, and conversation, but might be too informal for academic papers or highly formal documents.