a suspicious attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"a suspicious attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person who is behaving in a way that suggests distrust or suspicion. For example: He had a suspicious attitude, he seemed to be analyzing every word that I said.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The French press also adopted a suspicious attitude toward Hitler's proposal.

The New York Times

But a clumsy apartheid-era law, the Aliens Control Act, has prevented this, as have a suspicious attitude towards foreigners and an impossibly bureaucratic immigration process.Look at what happened to Matshiyakwakhiwe Dlada.

The Economist

The figures are probably also skewed by the fact that the big beasts of rock – the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC – took such a suspicious attitude to streaming for so long, keeping their music off the service.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To claim never to take sides for a journalist seemed to me to be a somewhat suspicious attitude, even a hypocritical pretension".

The New York Times

The most developed character, the misanthropic Drew, has a heart of gold beneath a sour, suspicious attitude acquired after his traumatic discovery of a girlfriend giving oral sex to a rapper.

The New York Times

Hostility, an enduring personality trait characterized by "a suspicious, mistrustful attitude toward interpersonal relationships and the wider environment," is associated with an increased risk of age-related disease and all-cause mortality in humans (1 5).

Biological Psychiatry

She ceased to think in any concrete way about the future; she developed a distant, suspicious attitude toward her own body, viewing it as a possible betrayer; and she became engrossed in a systematic review of the past.

The New Yorker

I would restrict myself to saying that I was researching "Muslim women", and avoid highlighting the "fighting sexism" part, as there is a complicated, often suspicious attitude towards anything that may be perceived as "feminism" within Muslim communities.

The Guardian

Presumably she in fact judged that her particular surgeon would operate competently, but still had a critical and suspicious attitude to surgeons.

BBC

Crawford cited "grievous mental cruelty", claiming Fairbanks had "a jealous and suspicious attitude" toward her friends and that they had "loud arguments about the most trivial subjects" lasting "far into the night".

Wikipedia

The same suspicious attitude to the imagination shows up elsewhere, in a poster on childcare printed for use in creches and nurseries.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's interactions, use "a suspicious attitude" to show distrust without explicitly stating it. For example, instead of saying "He didn't trust her", write "He regarded her with a suspicious attitude".

Common error

Avoid using "a suspicious attitude" when you mean someone is actively suspecting someone else. "Suspicious" describes a general disposition, whereas "suspecting" describes a specific action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suspicious attitude" functions as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (typically a person or character). It conveys a state of mind characterized by distrust and skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showcasing individuals displaying such behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a suspicious attitude" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to depict a state of distrust or skepticism. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, the phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts. While it is considered neutral in register, its impact depends on the specific situation, with potential for both positive and negative connotations. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't misused as a direct replacement for 'suspecting'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistrustful demeanor

Emphasizes outward behavior reflecting a lack of trust.

a skeptical outlook

Focuses on a general tendency to doubt or question things.

a cynical perspective

Highlights a negative or pessimistic view of the world.

a guarded approach

Stresses caution and restraint in interactions.

a wary stance

Implies vigilance and alertness to potential danger.

a doubting disposition

Refers to an inherent tendency to disbelieve.

a questioning manner

Highlights the act of inquiry and scrutiny.

a leery attitude

Indicates caution and unwillingness to take risks.

a dubious outlook

Suggests uncertainty and lack of conviction.

a skeptical temperament

Focuses on the inherent tendency to question and doubt.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a suspicious attitude"?

You might say the person is wary, guarded, or skeptical. You could also say they have "a mistrustful demeanor" or "a skeptical outlook".

What does it mean when someone has "a suspicious attitude"?

It implies they are distrustful and inclined to question the motives or truthfulness of others. They may be hesitant to accept things at face value.

Is it always negative to have "a suspicious attitude"?

Not necessarily. In certain situations, like investigations or negotiations, "a suspicious attitude" can be beneficial for uncovering hidden truths or avoiding deception. However, in personal relationships, it can create distance and mistrust.

Can "a suspicious attitude" be confused with paranoia?

While both involve distrust, paranoia is usually more extreme and irrational. "A suspicious attitude" is often based on observation or past experiences, while paranoia can involve unfounded beliefs and delusions.