trace of skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle indication of doubt or disbelief in someone's attitude or statement. Example: "Her voice carried a trace of skepticism when she questioned the validity of the research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But this week, in a sign of Somalis' general excitement, Mr. Warsame tweeted his approval of Mr. Mohamud with no trace of skepticism: Congratulations to #Somalia for conducting its first home held elections in more than 2 decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, such traces of skepticism are integrated into an ultimately non-skeptical philosophy.

SEP

He met lots of skepticism.

The New York Times

Many have embraced some form of skepticism.

The New York Times

It creates a lot of skepticism".

The New York Times

But I would inject one note of skepticism about this skepticism.

The Economist

"But there's a lot of skepticism.

The New York Times - Sports

But there is an air of skepticism.

The New York Times

But there is no shortage of skepticism.

The New York Times

But oh, is it trying, with a combination of skepticism about her motives and skepticism about her appearance and skepticism about her identity.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet there is also plenty of skepticism about this process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "trace of skepticism", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being doubted. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of skepticism" when a stronger expression of doubt is more appropriate. The phrase implies a subtle or minimal level of disbelief, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of skepticism" functions as a noun phrase indicating a subtle indication of doubt or disbelief. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is often used to qualify a statement or action, suggesting that the doubt is present but not overwhelming.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace of skepticism" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a slight amount of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is used to add nuance to statements, portraying a balanced view that acknowledges uncertainty without outright rejection. This expression finds its usage across a spectrum of contexts, from News & Media to Science and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, specificity is key to avoiding ambiguity, and the degree of doubt should align with the context to prevent overstatement. Alternatives such as "hint of doubt" or "element of disbelief" can also be employed depending on the specific nuance one seeks to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of doubt

Replaces "trace of skepticism" with a more general term for uncertainty or mistrust, focusing on the presence of doubt.

element of disbelief

Highlights the aspect of not believing, rather than simply being doubtful, shifting the focus to a stronger sense of incredulity.

slight reservation

Emphasizes the act of holding back full acceptance, implying a careful or cautious approach due to some uncertainty.

touch of cynicism

Suggests a negative or pessimistic outlook influencing the skepticism, adding an emotional tone to the doubt.

shade of uncertainty

Focuses on the ambiguity or lack of clarity contributing to the skepticism, implying a less defined or intense form of doubt.

whisper of suspicion

Implies a quiet or underlying feeling that something is not quite right, fueling the skeptical attitude.

grain of salt

Indicates that something should not be taken at face value, but rather with a degree of caution or doubt.

note of reservation

Similar to "slight reservation", but focuses on the expression of that reservation, whether spoken or implied.

degree of incredulity

Emphasizes disbelief, suggesting a stronger reaction than simple skepticism, leaning towards astonishment that something could be true or possible.

semblance of distrust

Highlights a perceived lack of trust, potentially stemming from uncertainty or negative past experiences, implying a mild form of skepticism.

FAQs

How can "trace of skepticism" be used in a sentence?

You can use "trace of skepticism" to indicate a slight amount of doubt or disbelief. For example, "Her voice carried a trace of skepticism when she questioned the validity of the research findings".

What are some alternatives to saying "trace of skepticism"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of doubt", "element of disbelief", or "slight reservation" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "trace of skepticism" or "hint of skepticism"?

Both "trace of skepticism" and "hint of skepticism" are correct. The choice depends on the desired nuance; "trace" suggests an even subtler indication than "hint".

What's the difference between "trace of skepticism" and "degree of skepticism"?

"Trace of skepticism" implies a very small amount of doubt, while "degree of skepticism" suggests a measurable level, which could be small, moderate, or high. Use "degree of skepticism" when you want to specify the extent of the doubt.