Suspected of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Suspected of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is believed to be involved in a particular activity or crime, without definitive proof. Example: "The suspect was arrested after being suspected of theft in the local store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Suspected of wanting to be king.

The New Yorker

Suspected of Gaullist ideas".

The New Yorker

The Sudanese government was suspected of complicity.

The Economist

"They're all suspected of heinous crimes".

The New York Times

Those suspected of being fakes are warned.

The New York Times - Tech

The police are frequently suspected of complicity.

The Economist

The Iranians are suspected of being spies.

The New York Times

leaders suspected of planning the Munich affair.

The New Yorker

He was also suspected of using drugs.

The New York Times

You are suspected of harboring Fascist tendencies.

The New Yorker

He is suspected of forgery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspected of", ensure that you have a reliable basis for the suspicion, even if it's not definitive proof. This maintains credibility and avoids baseless accusations.

Common error

Avoid presenting someone as definitively guilty when they are only "suspected of" something. Using language that implies certainty when only suspicion exists can lead to defamation and legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Suspected of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that someone or something is believed to be involved in a particular action, often negative, without conclusive proof. Ludwig confirms this usage as grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suspected of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a preliminary belief or involvement in a particular activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure a reliable basis for the suspicion, avoid overstating the suspicion as fact, and be aware of alternative phrases to convey the intended meaning more precisely. The authoritative sources that employ "suspected of" include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under suspicion for

Highlights the state of being investigated or questioned.

Believed to be involved in

Indicates an assumption of participation without concrete evidence.

Considered a suspect in

Formally identifies someone as a person of interest in an investigation.

Alleged to have

Focuses on an unproven accusation, often implying a legal context.

Thought to have committed

Suggests a belief that someone performed an action, typically negative.

Implicated in

Suggests involvement, often unwillingly or indirectly, in a negative situation.

Linked to

Implies a connection or association, potentially without direct involvement.

Pointed to as

Highlights someone or something being identified as a potential cause or culprit.

Rumored to be

Indicates information based on hearsay or unverified sources.

Presumed to be guilty of

Implies a judgment of guilt before a formal legal process.

FAQs

How can I use "Suspected of" in a sentence?

Use "Suspected of" to indicate that someone is believed to be involved in an activity without definitive proof. For example, "The individual is "suspected of fraud" due to unusual financial transactions."

What are some alternatives to using "Suspected of"?

You can use alternatives like "alleged to have", "believed to be involved in", or "under suspicion for" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Suspected of" in formal writing?

Yes, "Suspected of" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in news reports and legal documents, to indicate a preliminary belief or investigation. However, ensure you provide context and avoid making definitive accusations.

What's the difference between "Suspected of" and "Accused of"?

"Suspected of" implies a belief or hunch without concrete evidence, while "Accused of" indicates a formal charge or accusation has been made. Someone "accused of" something faces specific allegations, whereas someone "suspected of" something is simply under scrutiny.