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Prepositions after adjectives

Skeptical of vs. skeptical about

Both skeptical of and skeptical about are common. Skeptical of often focuses on doubting a person, claim, or idea, while skeptical about often introduces a topic or situation.

Quick answer

Should I use skeptical of or skeptical about?

Use skeptical of for doubts about a person, statement, or evidence. Use skeptical about for concerns or uncertainty about a topic, plan, or situation.

She is skeptical of the results.
They were skeptical about the new policy.
I remain skeptical of his explanation.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
skeptical of + noun/pronoun

Doubting a person, claim, or idea

Use skeptical of for direct doubt or disbelief.

Many voters are skeptical of the promise.
He was skeptical of the data.
2
skeptical about + topic

Expressing concern or uncertainty

Use skeptical about with broader subjects or future situations.

Investors are skeptical about the merger.
She felt skeptical about the proposal.
3
skeptical toward/towards + person

Showing attitude toward someone

Toward or towards can describe a doubtful attitude directed at people.

The public became skeptical toward the spokesperson.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
skeptical of
I am skeptical of the report.
Direct doubt about something specific.
skeptical about
She is skeptical about the plan.
Uncertainty or concern about a topic or situation.
skeptical toward
They were skeptical toward the new manager.
Describes attitude directed at a person.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using skeptical with instead of of/about

With is not the usual preposition after skeptical.

✕ She is skeptical with the numbers. ✓ She is skeptical of the numbers.

Using skeptical of for broad situations awkwardly

About often sounds more natural for plans and future events.

✕ They are skeptical of the upcoming reforms. ✓ They are skeptical about the upcoming reforms.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He is skeptical ___ the advertisement.
2. Many people are skeptical ___ the new policy.
3. The audience grew skeptical ___ the speaker.

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Frequently asked questions

Are skeptical of and skeptical about both correct?

Yes. Both are common, but they emphasize slightly different meanings.

Which is more common with people or claims?

Skeptical of is especially common with claims, evidence, and individuals.

Can I use skeptical with?

It is not the usual pattern. Use skeptical of or skeptical about instead.

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