arousing suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arousing suspicion" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to cause someone to have doubts or concerns about something. Example: The man's unusual behavior at the crime scene was arousing suspicion among the detectives, leading them to believe he may have been involved in the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He packed light, to avoid arousing suspicion.

The New Yorker

Private donations to the Tories have also been arousing suspicion.

The Economist

"So if anybody could have produced a lot of spores without arousing suspicion, it was him".

The New York Times

The entire operation lasted more than two hours without arousing suspicion.

The New York Times

Small manufacturers, in turn, use stolen identities to buy ingredients or pay rent without arousing suspicion.

The New York Times

This is not exactly how an insider trader who hoped to avoid arousing suspicion should act.

The New York Times

To avoid arousing suspicion, UBS employees routinely made small changes to submissions, the complaint detailed.

The New York Times

Before Qaddafi's fall, people couldn't even pause near the building without arousing suspicion.

The New York Times

He was arrested on immigration charges in August 2001 after arousing suspicion at a Minnesota flight school.

The New York Times

It was unclear whether it was bad blood, crotchetiness or fear of arousing suspicion that fueled her attitude.

The New York Times

They depended on benefits and moved around Scotland to avoid arousing suspicion among neighbours, police or social services.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for objectivity, use "arousing suspicion" to factually describe how an action or situation leads to doubt, rather than directly stating your own suspicions.

Common error

Avoid using "arousing suspicion" when you want to express a personal feeling of distrust. Opt for phrases like "I suspect" or "I am wary of" to clearly indicate a subjective viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arousing suspicion" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund or present participle, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing something that causes or creates a feeling of doubt. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arousing suspicion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of causing someone to feel doubt or distrust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "raising concerns" or "prompting doubts" exist, "arousing suspicion" is a strong and direct way to convey the creation of doubt. Its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for objective reporting and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompting doubts

This highlights the action of triggering uncertainty in someone's mind.

raising concerns

This alternative focuses on the act of generating worry or unease rather than directly implying doubt.

generating distrust

Focuses on the creation of a feeling of not being able to rely on someone or something.

stirring distrust

This option emphasizes the activation of a lack of trust.

provoking wariness

This version emphasizes inducing a state of caution or guardedness.

fostering skepticism

Here, the focus is on promoting a general attitude of doubt or disbelief.

creating apprehension

Emphasizes the making of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

giving rise to misgivings

This implies that the situation is causing feelings of anxiety or apprehension.

sparking incredulity

This highlights the act of initiating disbelief.

instilling uncertainty

This refers to implanting a sense of doubt or insecurity.

FAQs

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

Use "arousing suspicion" to describe situations or actions that cause others to become doubtful or distrustful. For example, "His inconsistent alibi was "arousing suspicion" among the investigators".

What are some alternatives to "arousing suspicion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "raising concerns", "stirring distrust", or "prompting doubts" as alternatives to "arousing suspicion".

What's the difference between "arousing suspicion" and "raising suspicion"?

While both phrases are similar, ""arousing suspicion"" suggests a more active or potent instigation of doubt, while "raising suspicion" implies a more gradual or subtle increase in doubt.

Is it better to say "arousing suspicion" or "causing suspicion"?

"Arousing suspicion" is generally preferred because it sounds more natural and is more frequently used in formal writing compared to "causing suspicion".