I strongly suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

"I strongly suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel strongly that something is likely to be true, but don't have proof. For example: "I strongly suspect that my co-worker is the one who has been sabotaging my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I strongly suspect she does.

The New Yorker

"I strongly suspect both of those caricatures are wrong".

Independent

Theology, I strongly suspect, is not a subject at all.

The New York Times - Arts

I strongly suspect 6 Music will be saved".

The Guardian

I strongly suspect that the answer here is no.

The Guardian - Opinion

I strongly suspect this is Santorum's opinion of Obama.

The New Yorker

Nicolas Cage plays Joe London, which I strongly suspect of being an alias.

The New Yorker

Now I strongly suspect that Mitt could name all 59 points.

The New York Times

I strongly suspect that Mr. Gingrich will extend the losing streak for this passive debate strategy.

The New York Times

I strongly suspect, in fact, that he stayed in bed and dreamed the whole sweet movie.

The New Yorker

It has not yet happened, and I strongly suspect it never will.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I strongly suspect", follow it with a clear and concise explanation of why you hold that suspicion. This strengthens your argument and makes your position more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "I strongly suspect" when you possess concrete evidence. In such cases, a more assertive statement would be appropriate. "I strongly suspect" is best used when you have a strong hunch rather than confirmed facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I strongly suspect" functions as a declarative statement expressing a speaker's opinion or belief with a significant degree of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression conveys a firm inclination towards a particular conclusion based on available information, though without absolute certainty.

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, "I strongly suspect" is a versatile phrase used to express a firm belief or assumption, grounded in some level of evidence but lacking definitive proof. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It is especially prevalent in News & Media contexts where speculation and informed opinions are common. When writing, use "I strongly suspect" to introduce a well-reasoned hunch and bolster your argument with supporting rationale. Although it signals confidence, it should not be employed when the facts are definitive. Alternative phrases, such as "I strongly believe" and "I have a strong suspicion", can be used to fine-tune the level of certainty or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I strongly believe

Indicates a firm conviction, often based on personal reasoning or experience.

I have a strong suspicion

Emphasizes the feeling of doubt or mistrust alongside the belief.

I'm strongly inclined to think

Highlights the tendency or leaning toward a particular thought or conclusion.

I tend to suspect

Suggests a habitual or common inclination to suspect something.

It is my strong suspicion

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the personal nature of the suspicion.

I'm fairly certain

Conveys a high degree of confidence, bordering on certainty.

I'm pretty sure

Indicates a high level of confidence, but slightly less formal.

I daresay

An old-fashioned way of expressing a confident assumption.

I'm willing to bet

Suggests a willingness to wager on the correctness of the belief.

I venture to say

A more formal way of expressing a tentative suggestion or opinion.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I strongly suspect"?

Use "I strongly suspect" when you want to express a firm belief or inclination about something, but without having definitive proof. It suggests a high degree of confidence based on available evidence or intuition.

What are some alternatives to "I strongly suspect" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "I strongly believe", "I have a strong suspicion", or "I'm fairly certain" depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is "I strongly suspect" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "I strongly suspect" can be used in formal writing, particularly when expressing an informed opinion or hypothesis. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

How does "I strongly suspect" differ from "I think" or "I believe"?

"I strongly suspect" conveys a higher degree of confidence and conviction than "I think" or "I believe". It suggests that you have reasons to believe something is true, even if you lack concrete evidence, making it more assertive than simply "I think" or "I believe".