I suspected perhaps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I suspected perhaps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of uncertainty or doubt about a situation or outcome. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I suspected perhaps that there was more to the story than what was initially presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Unknown

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suspect perhaps they simply "must look at things in a different way".

Huffington Post

I suspect, perhaps unfairly, that all too many English composition teachers, no matter how dedicated they are, themselves can't really explain why "its" is not "it's" to their fifth-grade students (or have simply given up why, God bless their souls).

Huffington Post

What's more, he suggested that her tumour might have been there for longer than anyone suspected, perhaps as long as 20 years.

The Guardian

If major discrepancies were suspected, perhaps due to members of the group inflating their rate estimates to reflect their uncertainty in the absence of substantive evidence, this would invite potentially intractable debate.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

There have been hints that there's more biological productivity in the Arctic Ocean than once suspected (perhaps helped along by climate change): In 2012, scientists reported seeing massive blooms of algae proliferating under the sea ice.

Science Magazine

But it is the first time that Bush has articulated what some observers have long suspected: Perhaps he doesn't really want to be running for president.

Vice

More than I myself suspect, perhaps there exists a greater willingness by a material portion of the public to seek valid analysis and worthy reform in the realm of finance.

Forbes

With that in mind, I was suspecting, perhaps too optimistically, that Daley would get an easier ride than his predecessors in professional sports who've placed an athletically toned foot outside the closet.

Huffington Post

"I suspected that perhaps she wasn't really enjoying the evening and just wanted to escape," Dr. Geller said.

The New York Times

So then I suspected that perhaps Dallas might be in the N.F.L., but no: it's apparently in the N. F. C., because the answer to 48 Down is CHIC.

The New York Times

And yet, you suspect, perhaps not quite gone enough.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context provides some basis for the suspicion to maintain credibility. Vague or unfounded suspicions can weaken your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I suspected perhaps" repeatedly in a short span. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or unsure. Mix it up with other expressions of uncertainty to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I suspected perhaps" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion and expressing a tentative suspicion. Given that Ludwig provides examples of its use from reliable sources, it is a correct way to express uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I suspected perhaps" is a grammatically correct way to express a tentative suspicion or feeling. While not frequently used, according to Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, including news and general writing, making it suitable for both formal and informal scenarios where a degree of hesitancy is desired. When using it, consider alternatives like "I thought maybe" to avoid repetition, and ensure the context provides a reasonable basis for your suspicion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I thought perhaps

Replaces "suspected" with "thought", softening the level of certainty.

I had a suspicion maybe

Replaces "suspected" with "had a suspicion", directly stating the presence of a suspicion combined with "maybe" for tentativeness.

I guessed maybe

Uses "guessed" and "maybe" for a more casual expression of uncertainty.

I had a feeling perhaps

Emphasizes intuition or a hunch as the basis for the suspicion.

I imagined possibly

Replaces "suspected" with "imagined", suggesting a hypothetical scenario.

I believed maybe

Substitutes "suspected" with "believed", indicating a level of acceptance, though tentative.

I considered possibly

Highlights a conscious consideration of a possibility.

I dared to think perhaps

Adds a layer of boldness or risk to the act of suspecting.

I entertained the idea perhaps

Suggests the consideration of an idea without necessarily believing it.

I was under the impression perhaps

Indicates that the suspicion is based on a vague or possibly incorrect understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "I suspected perhaps" in a sentence?

Use "I suspected perhaps" to express a tentative feeling or hunch about something. For example, "After reviewing the data, "I suspected perhaps" there was an anomaly."

What are some alternatives to "I suspected perhaps"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I thought maybe", "I guessed maybe", or "I had a feeling perhaps", depending on the level of uncertainty you want to convey.

Is "I suspected perhaps" formal or informal?

"I suspected perhaps" leans towards the neutral side but can be used in both formal and informal contexts where a touch of hesitancy is desired. It is generally suitable for various types of writing.

What's the difference between "I suspected perhaps" and "I knew"?

"I knew" indicates certainty about something, whereas ""I suspected perhaps"" conveys a degree of uncertainty or a tentative suspicion. The former implies knowledge, while the latter implies a hunch or feeling.