become a suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to criminal investigations or legal situations where an individual is identified as a potential perpetrator of a crime. Example: "After the evidence was reviewed, he began to become a suspect in the ongoing investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If Bouwer had any inkling that he might become a suspect, there is no evidence of it in his behavior prior to the murder.

The New Yorker

Bellfield lived 50 yards from where Milly vanished but did not become a suspect until he was arrested by police in London for the other crimes in 2004.

The Guardian

Bellfield, who now calls himself Yusuf Rahim, did not become a suspect until he was arrested by police in London for his other crimes in 2004.

The Guardian

He had become a suspect soon after the fire, according to the police report, because the "pour mark" of the gasoline existed on the hallway carpet in front of every room in the suite except Baden's room.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Eurico Guterres was arrested after there was enough evidence for him to become a suspect in the destruction and burning of the U.N.H.C.R. office in Atambua," said a police superintendent, Saleh Saaf, according to Antara.

The New York Times

The Rabbi Was Always a Suspect Almost immediately after his wife's murder, Fred Neulander had become a suspect, though he told Rabbi Mazo that this was usually the case in a murder like this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He becomes a suspect.

Independent

After Terry Thomas, Darryl Hunt became a suspect.

The New York Times

Soon Edgerly became a suspect in a rape.

The New Yorker

Christopher becomes a suspect in the dog's murder.

The Guardian

(c) The former Army researcher who became a suspect in the anthrax mailings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become a suspect" when describing the process of someone transitioning from a neutral status to being suspected of a crime or wrongdoing. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the suspicion.

Common error

Avoid using "become a suspect" to describe a state that has already been established. Instead of saying "He will become a suspect," when he already is, say "He is a suspect" or "He has become a suspect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a suspect" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a specific state. It describes the process of being identified as a potential perpetrator, which is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig AI. The phrase highlights a change in status due to emerging evidence or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science & Research

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become a suspect" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the transition of an individual into a state of being suspected, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving the purpose of informing about a change in someone's status during an investigation. While the register is neutral, it is essential to use the correct tense and ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for suspicion. Alternatives such as "fall under suspicion" or "be considered a suspect" can be used to provide similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall under suspicion

Emphasizes the act of being targeted by suspicion.

come under suspicion

Similar to 'fall under suspicion', but with a slightly different nuance.

be identified as a suspect

Emphasizes the formal act of identification.

be considered a suspect

Focuses on the act of consideration by authorities.

be treated as a suspect

Highlights the treatment received due to being suspected.

turn into a suspect

Highlights the transformation from not being suspected to being suspected.

draw suspicion

Emphasizes the act of attracting suspicion.

be looked upon with suspicion

Highlights the perspective of others viewing someone with suspicion.

arouse suspicion

Focuses on the action of causing suspicion.

raise suspicion

Similar to 'arouse suspicion', but emphasizes the act of bringing suspicion to attention.

FAQs

How can I use "become a suspect" in a sentence?

Use "become a suspect" to indicate the moment someone transitions into being suspected of something, like "After new evidence surfaced, he "became a suspect" in the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "become a suspect"?

Alternatives include "fall under suspicion", "come under suspicion", or "be considered a suspect", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "became a suspect" or "become a suspect"?

"Became a suspect" is the past tense, used to describe when someone transitioned into being a suspect. "Become a suspect" is the infinitive form, used in more general statements or future scenarios.

What's the difference between "being a suspect" and "become a suspect"?

"Being a suspect" refers to the current state of being suspected, while "become a suspect" refers to the action or process of transitioning into that state.