become suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context where someone has begun to feel or show suspicion about something or someone. For example: After seeing a suspicious man lurking around her house, Jane began to become suspicious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then you become suspicious.

The Guardian

We become suspicious of glossy perfection.

The Washington Post

"I own the place!" At this point I become suspicious.

The New Yorker

He told her that Price had become suspicious.

The New Yorker

In recent years Germany has become suspicious of the institution.

The Economist

He hasn't mentioned the black-haired woman to his wife, lest she become suspicious.

The New Yorker

Since his arrest, Mr. Alam said, many Afghans in his town have become suspicious of Americans.

The New York Times

Most hiring managers become suspicious when they see a résumé without prominent dates, Ms. Ireland said.

The New York Times

She had been talking to a man online and had become suspicious of his identity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have, as a country, become suspicious of excellence, wary of the smarty-pants.

The New York Times - Magazine

They become suspicious when she doesn't become pregnant – has she started taking contraceptive pills?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become suspicious" to indicate a gradual development of doubt or distrust, rather than a sudden realization.

Common error

Avoid using "become suspicious" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "grow skeptical" or "start to doubt" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become suspicious" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a state of doubt or mistrust. It is used to describe the process of someone starting to feel or show suspicion about something or someone, which Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

36%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become suspicious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of developing doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It's common in various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications, with a generally neutral tone. To enhance your writing, focus on using it to show a gradual shift toward doubt, and consider varying your wording to avoid repetition using options like "grow skeptical" or "start doubting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow skeptical

Replaces "become suspicious" with a more formal term for developing doubt.

start doubting

Uses a more direct verb to express the beginning of a feeling of doubt.

develop misgivings

Emphasizes the internal development of feelings of unease and doubt.

begin to distrust

Focuses on the erosion of trust as the primary emotion.

conceive doubts

A more formal and literary alternative, suggesting the formation of doubts.

get leery

An informal option, conveying a sense of caution and apprehension.

sense something amiss

Shifts the focus to detecting an irregularity that prompts suspicion.

take a dim view of

Focuses on the developing negative view rather than the emergence of suspicion.

have reservations

Implies uncertainty and doubt about the advisability of something.

lose faith in

Emphasizes the loss of belief or confidence in something or someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "become suspicious" to describe a gradual development of doubt or distrust. For example, "After noticing several inconsistencies, the detective began to become suspicious."

What are some alternatives to "become suspicious"?

Alternatives include "grow skeptical", "start doubting", or "develop misgivings", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "become suspicious" or "became suspicious"?

The choice between "become suspicious" and "became suspicious" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "become suspicious" for present or future tenses, and "became suspicious" for past tenses.

What's the difference between "become suspicious" and "be suspicious"?

"Become suspicious" indicates the process of starting to feel suspicion, while "be suspicious" describes an existing state of suspicion.