Sow suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

"sow suspicion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to actions or statements that create doubt or mistrust among people. For example: "His comments served to sow suspicion among the team members." Alternative expressions include "plant doubt" and "instill mistrust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Gore also sought to sow suspicion about Mr. Bush's reliability on fiscal matters.

The New York Times

They aim to sow suspicion of ammunition supply sources, or distrust in the quality of rebel weapons.

The New York Times

That will sow suspicion among dissidents who remain free.The best-known of these is Oswaldo Payá, who last year won the European Union's Sakharov human-rights prize.

The Economist

Even if detainees are merely terrorist fellow-travellers, a trip to the police station will sow suspicion and discord among more committed folk what might they have told the police?

The Economist

The concept initially referred to an activist secretly working with authorities who might provide information, sow suspicion and internal dissension, and/or provoke violent actions that would turn public opinion against a social movement and offer legal and moral grounds for its repression.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Vice President Al Gore went on the offensive again and again last week, using a series of campaign appearances across the country not only to advance his own policy initiatives, but to sow suspicion about the goals of his presumed opponent in the general election, Gov. George W. Bush of Texas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It will inevitably sow suspicions in Kenya, a country still raw from a recent, divisive election.

The New York Times

While George W. Bush tried today to rally Michigan voters for Tuesday's primary here with a sunny message of tax cutting and political reform, a second, shadow campaign by his allies sought to sow suspicions of Senator John McCain.

The New York Times

In recent years, the Russian government has deliberately sought to undercut the work of civic groups by subjecting them to intense bureaucratic oversight and harassment by law enforcement and tax agencies, as well as to a concerted public campaign meant to sow suspicions about their activities, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Thursday.

The New York Times

As several bloggers also pointed out, the ads sowing suspicion of foreign visitors are also a curious way to make tourists, whose money is central to the Egyptian economy, feel welcome.

The New York Times

Last but not least, by blatantly exploiting the terrorist threat for personal political gain, he would undermine the nation's unity in the face of its enemies, sowing suspicion about the government's motives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sow suspicion", ensure the context clearly indicates who is sowing the suspicion and who is the target. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sow suspicion" when the act of creating doubt is unintentional. This phrase implies a deliberate effort to undermine trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sow suspicion" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating actions or statements designed to create doubt or mistrust. Examples show it used to describe deliberate efforts to undermine confidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sow suspicion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically found in neutral to professional contexts. It describes actions deliberately intended to create doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage for expressing deliberate undermining of confidence, with the majority of examples stemming from news and academic sources. Alternatives include "instill doubt" or "plant seeds of doubt". When using this phrase, ensure the intent and target are clear to avoid misattribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Plant seeds of doubt

Uses a metaphor of planting to suggest the gradual development of uncertainty.

Instill doubt

Focuses on implanting a feeling of uncertainty.

Fuel skepticism

Suggests the act of intensifying doubt.

Create mistrust

Emphasizes the generation of a lack of trust.

Breed distrust

Implies causing distrust to arise and spread.

Undermine confidence

Highlights the act of weakening assurance or trust.

Generate uncertainty

Emphasizes the creation of a state of doubt or lack of conviction.

Raise questions

Focuses on initiating inquiries that might lead to uncertainty.

Promote disbelief

Focuses on encouraging a lack of belief.

Cast aspersions

Involves making damaging or unfavorable remarks.

FAQs

How can I use "sow suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "sow suspicion" to describe actions that deliberately create doubt or mistrust, for example: "The leaked documents were intended to "sow suspicion" among the board members".

What does "sow suspicion" mean?

"Sow suspicion" means to create doubt or mistrust, often deliberately, through actions or statements. It suggests planting the seeds of uncertainty in someone's mind.

Are there alternative ways to express "sow suspicion"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "instill doubt", "plant seeds of doubt", or "create mistrust" as alternatives to "sow suspicion".

Is it appropriate to use "sow suspicion" in formal writing?

Yes, "sow suspicion" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news, analytical, or academic contexts where deliberate attempts to undermine trust are being discussed. However, consider your audience and choose alternatives like "raise questions" in more sensitive contexts.