can be suspected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be suspected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is open to doubt or suspicion, often in a context of investigation or inquiry. Example: "The unusual behavior of the subject can be suspected to indicate deeper issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this is hardly a topic on which Merkel can be suspected of ignorance, or carelessly sensational assessments.

The Guardian - Opinion

The condition can be suspected in the first three months of pregnancy if pain and bleeding are experienced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other cardiac abnormalities can be suspected if a thrill is felt from light palpation over the chest wall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A specific infection can be suspected on the basis of the type of leukocyte that has an abnormal value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But naturally as a matter of course individuals can be suspected of something by the judiciary, by the security organisations and they are pursued.

The Guardian

While users departing from the baseline behavior can be suspected of being attackers, this is unlikely.

EPJ Data Science

Larger or symptomatic Spigelian hernia's can be suspected by CAT scan [28].

Gynecological Surgery

PFTC can be suspected on MRI when specific fallopian-tube related signs are present.

Insights into Imaging

Large mucus plugs can be suspected in the perihilar regions bilaterally (arrowheads).

Insights into Imaging

Among other embryological pathologies issue from EMT deregulation, congenital heart defects can be suspected.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

As it can be suspected, both RPDL and LPDL have more expressive power than PDL.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be suspected", ensure you provide context or indicators that support the suspicion. This strengthens your statement and prevents it from appearing as baseless speculation.

Common error

Avoid presenting something that "can be suspected" as an absolute truth. The phrase inherently implies uncertainty, so ensure your language reflects this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be suspected" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility or potential inference based on available information, but without definitive proof. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be suspected" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of something being the case, often implying a need for further investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse sources like scientific journals, news articles, and encyclopedias. When writing, remember to provide context supporting the suspicion and avoid presenting it as a definitive fact. Consider alternatives like "may be presumed" or "might be inferred" to fine-tune the level of certainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be presumed

This suggests a slightly stronger level of likelihood based on available evidence.

might be inferred

Implies drawing a conclusion from indirect evidence or reasoning.

could be speculated

Indicates a more tentative and less evidence-based guess.

may be hypothesized

Suggests a formal proposition that requires further testing or validation.

could be questioned

Focuses on the aspect of doubt and the need for verification.

might be challenged

Highlights the potential for opposition or disagreement.

can be doubted

Directly expresses a lack of certainty or belief.

may be challenged

Emphasizes that an idea can be questioned and potentially refuted.

might be supposed

Suggests a belief based on assumption rather than concrete proof.

could be envisioned

Focuses on imagining a possibility, often in a future context.

FAQs

How can I use "can be suspected" in a sentence?

Use "can be suspected" to indicate a possibility based on some evidence or intuition, but without definitive proof. For example, "Foul play "can be suspected" due to the unusual circumstances of the incident."

What's a more formal alternative to "can be suspected"?

Formal alternatives include "may be presumed", "might be inferred", or "could be hypothesized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can be suspected" and "can be assumed"?

"Can be suspected" implies a degree of doubt and potential wrongdoing or irregularity, while "can be assumed" suggests a belief taken for granted without necessarily implying negative connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "can be suspected" versus "can be suggested"?

"Can be suspected" is suitable when there's a reason to believe something might be wrong or hidden. "Can be suggested" is used when offering a possibility or idea for consideration without necessarily implying doubt or suspicion.