be suspicious about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suspicious about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or mistrust regarding a person, situation, or information. Example: "You should be suspicious about the claims made in that advertisement, as they seem too good to be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Nothing to be suspicious about.

The New York Times - Style

Are there reasons to be suspicious about this gift?

The New York Times

I think people may be suspicious about answering these questions, they may think it will affect their progression or position".

The Guardian

Declan O'Neill Oldham, Greater Manchester While welcoming the idea of greater financial control promised by "Devo Manc", I can't help but be suspicious about George Osborne's motives.

The Guardian

314 West 11th St at Greenwich St, [phone], thespottedpig.com There is plenty for the purist to be suspicious about at Burger and Barrel.

The Guardian - Travel

David Remes, a lawyer who represented Mr. Latif in a habeas corpus lawsuit, said there was reason to be suspicious about how his client was overmedicated, voicing skepticism that he could have hoarded his daily dosages without detection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I'm suspicious about her death.

Independent

I was suspicious about the whole thing.

Independent

Something was suspicious about us.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm suspicious about photography.

The Guardian

Beuret is suspicious about the recent decline.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be suspicious about", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of the reason for suspicion. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be suspicious about" without explaining why someone should be suspicious. Always provide context or reasons to support the feeling of suspicion to make your writing more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suspicious about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, primarily serving to express a state of doubt or mistrust concerning someone or something. It indicates that a person or entity should view a subject with skepticism or reservation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

26%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be suspicious about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently used in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, suggesting broad applicability. The phrase prompts a critical evaluation of a subject, encouraging caution and skepticism. When using "be suspicious about", it's important to provide clear context to justify the feeling of suspicion, avoiding ambiguity and strengthening your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of

Replaces "suspicious" with "wary", suggesting caution and alertness to potential dangers.

be leery of

Uses "leery" instead of "suspicious", conveying a sense of unease and distrust.

distrust

A more direct and concise way to express a lack of trust.

have reservations about

Indicates having doubts or hesitations about something.

question the validity of

Focuses on doubting the truth or accuracy of something.

doubt the authenticity of

Expresses skepticism about whether something is genuine or real.

be skeptical of

Emphasizes a general attitude of doubt and questioning.

take with a grain of salt

Suggests not accepting something at face value and being cautious about its truth.

have misgivings about

Expresses feelings of anxiety or doubt about the wisdom or advisability of something.

not trust

A straightforward expression of a lack of trust or confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "be suspicious about" in a sentence?

You can use "be suspicious about" to express doubt or mistrust regarding a person, situation, or information. For example, "You should be suspicious about the claims made in that advertisement, as they seem too good to be true."

What are some alternatives to "be suspicious about"?

Some alternatives include "be wary of", "be leery of", or simply "distrust" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be suspicious about"?

Yes, "be suspicious about" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "be suspicious about" and "be careful about"?

"Be suspicious about" implies a lack of trust or doubt, whereas "be careful about" suggests taking precautions or avoiding risks. The former focuses on mistrust, while the latter focuses on safety.