I suspect that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I suspect that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in order to express a feeling or thought that something might be true. For example, "I suspect that the tickets for the concert are going to sell out soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suspect that would happen.

The New York Times

I suspect that will continue.

The New York Times - Tech

Why do I suspect that?

The New Yorker

I suspect that is the case.

The New York Times

I suspect that means yes too.

The Guardian

I suspect that is also temperature-related".

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that means comprehensive insurance.

The Guardian

Alas, I suspect that assumption is false.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I suspect that will continue," he said.

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that little has changed in these Family Courts.

The New York Times

For many viewers, I suspect, that question is entirely academic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I suspect that" when you have a reason to believe something might be true, but you don't have enough evidence to be certain. It's useful for expressing uncertainty in a polite and professional manner.

Common error

While useful, overusing "I suspect that" can make your writing sound hesitant. Vary your language by using stronger verbs or more direct statements when the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I suspect that" functions as a clause introducer expressing a tentative belief or hypothesis. It prefaces a statement that the speaker believes to be possibly true, based on available information or intuition, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I suspect that" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative belief or reasoned guess. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to be mindful of overuse in formal writing and to consider stronger alternatives when appropriate. The phrase indicates uncertainty, differentiating it from statements of fact, and its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe that

Expresses a slightly stronger degree of conviction than "I suspect that".

I think that

A more common and slightly less formal way of expressing a similar sentiment.

I imagine that

Suggests a reliance on imagination or conjecture, rather than evidence.

It is my understanding that

More formal and indicates information received, but not necessarily verified.

I have a feeling that

Indicates an intuition or hunch.

I assume that

Suggests taking something for granted without proof.

My impression is that

Based on observation or general feeling.

It seems likely that

Shifts the focus to the probability of the event, rather than the speaker's suspicion.

I dare say that

An older, more formal expression of mild conjecture.

I surmise that

More formal and implies an educated guess based on limited evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "I suspect that" in a sentence?

"I suspect that" is used to express a feeling or thought that something might be true, often without concrete proof. For example, "I suspect that the meeting will be delayed due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to "I suspect that"?

You can use alternatives like "I believe that", "I think that", or "I imagine that" to express a similar sentiment, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I suspect that" formal or informal?

"I suspect that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and casual contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly official settings.

What is the difference between "I suspect that" and "I know that"?

"I suspect that" implies uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof, while "I know that" indicates certainty and complete information.