be suspicious of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suspicious of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be cautious or wary about a person, situation, or information. Example: "You should be suspicious of any offers that seem too good to be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be suspicious of anything labelled "political art".

The Guardian

Be suspicious of anonymous online reviews.

The Guardian - Books

So, be suspicious of anything priced much less.

The Economist

I should be suspicious of what I want.

The New York Times - Books

Religious authorities tend to be suspicious of common shrines.

The Economist

Be suspicious of any technology that requires walls.

The New York Times

One might be suspicious of my argument against moral relativism.

The New York Times

"Be suspicious of averages and focus on diversity," she advises.

The New York Times - Books

His instinct is to be suspicious of environmentalists.

The Guardian - Books

We have good reason to be suspicious of the markets.

The New York Times

They learned to be suspicious of private property and profit".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be suspicious of", clearly state the reason for your suspicion to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Be suspicious of the offer", say "Be suspicious of the offer because it seems too good to be true."

Common error

Avoid using "be suspicious of" in a way that promotes unwarranted distrust or paranoia. Ensure your suspicion is based on reasonable evidence or logical inconsistencies, not merely on personal bias or unfounded assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suspicious of" functions as a directive, advising caution or doubt regarding a person, object, or situation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, supporting its role in expressing a need for wariness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be suspicious of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that advises caution or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While it is versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, providing clear reasons for your suspicion and avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives like "be wary of" or "be skeptical of" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate the need for vigilance and critical evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of

Emphasizes caution and alertness to potential dangers or deception.

be doubtful about

Highlights a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief regarding something.

be skeptical of

Indicates a questioning attitude and a reluctance to accept something at face value.

mistrust

Directly conveys a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.

distrust

Similar to mistrust, emphasizing a feeling of doubt and lack of reliability.

question

Implies an act of inquiry and critical examination of something.

have reservations about

Expresses hesitations or concerns about a particular matter.

take with a grain of salt

Advises to not fully believe something, suggesting a need for cautious interpretation.

look askance at

Suggests disapproval or distrust through a sideways glance or demeanor.

view with skepticism

Formally expresses a critical and questioning perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "be suspicious of" to advise caution or wariness. For example, "You should "be suspicious of" any website that asks for your personal information without a secure connection."

What are some alternatives to "be suspicious of"?

Alternatives include "be wary of", "be doubtful about", or "be skeptical of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "be suspicious of" something?

It's appropriate to advise someone to "be suspicious of" something when there are red flags, inconsistencies, or other reasons to doubt the authenticity or reliability of a person, situation, or piece of information.

What's the difference between "be suspicious of" and "be skeptical of"?

"Be suspicious of" generally implies a stronger sense of doubt or distrust, often based on specific evidence, while "be skeptical of" suggests a more general questioning attitude or a reluctance to accept claims without sufficient proof.