an underlying suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a suspicion that is not immediately obvious or is hidden beneath the surface of a situation. Example: "Despite her calm demeanor, there was an underlying suspicion that she was not being entirely truthful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But the voting appears to indicate an underlying suspicion.

The New York Times - Sports

This kind of blatant ignorance belies an underlying suspicion and anxiety about people who have had a mental health problem.

The Guardian

But there is an underlying suspicion amongst Indonesian officials that Blackberry's executives are not too bothered about what goes on in Indonesia, as long as they keep selling their phones here.

BBC

After some unhappy experiences doing business on the mainland, and an underlying suspicion of Beijing, Chinese were now "somewhat more confident," Mr. Wang said.

The New York Times

More than just ignorance, the leader's questions implied an underlying suspicion about motivations — one that, importantly, serves to differentiate us from the traditional charity sector.

The Guardian

Instead, it "inflamed an underlying suspicion that everyone had: that China is going to work in grey zones, push the envelope and expand its territorial sovereignty claims with every opportunity it gets".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But there is always a bit of underlying suspicion when someone was prepared to put up with, or work with, the Gaddafis".

The Guardian

It was hard, however, to ignore the tensions that emerged between the two countries before the deal, which were only compounded by German mistrust on hearing that French advisers helped draft the Greek paper and the underlying suspicion that Paris only resisted a Grexit because it too faces some challenging structural reforms with which it might yet need considerable German help.

The Guardian - Business

"The reset failed to change the underlying suspicion and distrust of America shared by a majority of Russians as well as Putin himself," said Masha Lipman, an analyst at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

The New York Times

Diplomats, talking on condition of anonymity, speak of underlying suspicions and anxiety in their dealings with China.

The Economist

The war and those who died in it are still not officially commemorated, giving room for conspiratorial voices, like Kanu's, to thrive on the underlying suspicions that remain between the Igbo and Hausa populations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying suspicion", ensure the context clarifies what the suspicion pertains to, as the phrase itself is general. Providing specific details can strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying suspicion" when a stronger term like "certainty" or "evidence" is more appropriate. Overusing "suspicion" can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying suspicion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a feeling of doubt or mistrust that is not immediately obvious or openly expressed. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an underlying suspicion" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that describes a subtle or unspoken feeling of doubt or mistrust. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also used in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the suspicion. Consider alternatives such as "a latent mistrust" or "a veiled apprehension" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a latent mistrust

Focuses on the dormant, yet present, feeling of mistrust.

a veiled apprehension

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the worry or anxiety.

a suppressed unease

Highlights the feeling of discomfort that is being held back or not openly expressed.

a nagging doubt

Implies a persistent and bothersome feeling of uncertainty.

a sneaking feeling

Suggests a subtle, intuitive sense of something being amiss.

a gut feeling of unease

Emphasizes the instinctive nature of the discomfort.

an unspoken doubt

Highlights the lack of verbalization of the uncertainty.

a concealed reservation

Focuses on the hidden nature of the doubt or objection.

a silent wariness

Underscores the cautiousness and lack of open expression of concern.

a subtle distrust

Emphasizes the delicate and easily missed nature of the distrust.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "an underlying suspicion" to describe a feeling that is not openly expressed or immediately apparent. For example: "Despite the official statements, there was an underlying suspicion that the company was hiding something."

What are some alternatives to "an underlying suspicion"?

You can use alternatives like "a latent mistrust", "a veiled apprehension", or "a suppressed unease" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "an underlying suspicion" or "a clear suspicion"?

The choice depends on the context. "An underlying suspicion" suggests a hidden or subtle feeling, while "a clear suspicion" indicates something more obvious and readily apparent.

What is the difference between "an underlying suspicion" and "an overt suspicion"?

"An underlying suspicion" refers to a feeling that is not openly expressed or easily noticed, while "an overt suspicion" is an open and obvious feeling of doubt or mistrust.