was sceptical at first

USAGE SUMMARY

"was sceptical at first" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person's initial doubt or hesitation about something. Example: I was sceptical at first when my friend told me about the new restaurant, but after trying it myself, I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious food and excellent service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I was sceptical at first.

The Guardian - Tech

I was sceptical at first, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was sceptical at first - until the weird dreams started.

The Guardian

I was sceptical at first - you're not fooling me with this, I thought.

The Guardian

Bondachuk was sceptical at first, but after Gerasimov confirmed the story, Bondachuk told Welles.

The Guardian

I was sceptical at first, but even a workaholic such as I found my hyperactive mind no longer zooming around.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They were sceptical at first.

The Guardian - Music

Doctors at St Patrick's Hospital, involved with the project since 1992, were sceptical at first.

The Economist

So far he is impressing investors, some of whom were sceptical at first.

The Economist

His consistency and willingness to help convinced employees who were sceptical at first.

Harvard Business Review

"Many farmers were sceptical at first," says Petrykowska, "But we quickly built up trust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was sceptical at first" to express your initial reservations or doubts about something before you gained more information or experience. It adds context and demonstrates a change in perspective.

Common error

Avoid presenting skepticism as an unchanging characteristic. "Was sceptical at first" implies a shift in perspective, not a persistent state of disbelief. Be sure to indicate how and why your viewpoint changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sceptical at first" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the timing and nature of an initial reaction of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in providing context to an evolving viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was sceptical at first" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to convey an initial state of doubt or disbelief that subsequently changed. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC, primarily within News & Media contexts. It's important to remember to express clearly how the viewpoint changed over time. When aiming for formal writing, alternatives like "greeted it with skepticism" could be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was dubious at first

Replaces "sceptical" with "dubious", suggesting uncertainty or question.

was hesitant at first

Substitutes "sceptical" with "hesitant", focusing on reluctance or unwillingness.

was doubtful at first

Replaces "sceptical" with "doubtful", indicating a lack of certainty or conviction.

was incredulous at first

Replaces "sceptical" with "incredulous", highlighting disbelief or astonishment.

was suspicious at first

Substitutes "sceptical" with "suspicious", suggesting a feeling of distrust or wariness.

initially had my doubts

Offers a more idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the personal experience of doubt.

didn't believe it at first

Focuses on the initial disbelief or lack of acceptance.

took some convincing initially

Highlights the need for persuasion to overcome initial doubts.

remained unconvinced at first

Emphasizes the lack of initial persuasion or agreement.

greeted it with skepticism

Presents a more formal alternative, using "skepticism" as a noun.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was sceptical at first" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "greeted it with skepticism" or "remained unconvinced at first". These options provide a more sophisticated way to express initial doubt.

What's the difference between "was sceptical at first" and "is skeptical"?

"Was sceptical at first" indicates a past state of doubt that has since changed. "Is skeptical" describes a current, ongoing state of doubt or disbelief. The former implies a transformation in viewpoint, while the latter suggests a persistent attitude.

Is it correct to use "skeptical" or "sceptical"?

Both "skeptical" and "sceptical" are correct spellings. "Skeptical" is more common in American English, while "sceptical" is preferred in British English. Choose the spelling appropriate for your audience and maintain consistency within your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "was sceptical at first" in writing?

Use "was sceptical at first" when you want to convey that you initially had doubts or reservations about something, but your opinion later changed. This is useful in narratives, reviews, or explanations where you want to show a shift in your understanding or perspective.