a suspicion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a suspicion of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a small amount or trace of something. Example: After careful examination of the crime scene, the detective had a suspicion of blood on the wall that was missed by the initial investigation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a suspicion of handball.

The Guardian - Music

Nonetheless, there is a suspicion of cant in Auden's lines.

The New Yorker

For some, the hesitation stemmed from a suspicion of vaccines.

The New York Times

Yet I think a suspicion of racism is perfectly reasonable.

The Economist

The second is a suspicion of foreign investors.

The Economist

But a suspicion of abuse is present from the start.

The Guardian - Books

First, the energy crisis stirred a suspicion of oil companies.

The New York Times

MORGEN: As I said before, the investigations were based on a suspicion of corrupt practices.

Yale University

Consequently, the screen shots alone were insufficient to create a suspicion of wrongdoing by an affiliate.

Harvard University

He has now been equipped with a soul, and even a suspicion of innocence.

The New York Times - Books

Blood tests and scans only follow if there is a suspicion of recurrence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a suspicion of" to introduce a note of uncertainty or doubt about something, often implying that there's not enough evidence for a firm conclusion. This can add nuance to your writing, indicating cautious observation rather than outright accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "a suspicion of" when you have strong evidence or proof. This phrase implies a lack of certainty, so using it when the evidence is clear can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suspicion of" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun, expressing a feeling or idea that something might be the case but without concrete proof. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a suspicion of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a degree of uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While not definitively negative, it often suggests a potential issue or underlying factor. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of uncertainty aligns with the available evidence to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Indicates a subtle indication or suggestion, implying a less intense feeling than "suspicion".

a trace of

Implies a very small amount or indication, often used for physical substances or abstract qualities.

a touch of

Suggests a slight amount or influence, often used to describe flavors, emotions, or styles.

a shadow of

Implies a vague or faint presence, often used to describe doubt or uncertainty.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or weak indication of something positive or hopeful.

a whiff of

Indicates a brief or faint perception, often used for smells or rumors.

a feeling of

Expresses a subjective sense or impression, often based on intuition or emotion.

an inkling of

Suggests a vague or uncertain idea or feeling.

a sense of

Conveys a general awareness or perception.

a tinge of

Indicates a slight coloring or influence, often used for emotions or opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a suspicion of" to express a slight feeling or idea that something might be the case, even without sufficient proof. For instance, "There was "a suspicion of foul play" in the deal."

What's a more formal alternative to "a suspicion of"?

In a more formal context, you could use "a presumption of" or "an intimation of" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone. For example, "There was "a presumption of wrongdoing" in the audit report."

Is "a suspicion of" always negative?

While often used in contexts implying doubt or wrongdoing, "a suspicion of" can also be neutral. For example, you might have "a suspicion of a smile" playing on someone's lips, suggesting a hint of happiness or amusement.

What's the difference between "a suspicion of" and "a distrust of"?

"A suspicion of" suggests a feeling that something might be wrong or untrue, while "a distrust of" implies a lack of confidence or faith in someone or something. Distrust is a stronger, more definitive feeling than suspicion.