difficult to suspect that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to suspect that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express skepticism or doubt about a particular situation or claim, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "It is difficult to suspect that he would betray us after all we've been through together."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But as Kate pursues her leads and thinks back to the past -- to her blue-collar Greek family, in which becoming a cop was simply part of growing up; to Joel's evolution from rich hippie to environmental entrepreneur -- it's not difficult to suspect that in truth she (and perhaps the author as well) doesn't really care all that much about Joel's disappearance.

The New York Times - Books

Even with at least 35 minutes remaining, it was not difficult to suspect that it would be enough to take County into the final at the expense of a Celtic side lacking the wit, the spirit and the talent to avoid the disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some patients had other diseases such as asthma that made it more difficult to suspect TB.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The study showed that ESS total score is lower in hypertensives than in normotensives with OSA, making the OSA more difficult to suspect.

Journal of the American Society of Hypertension

Still, it's difficult not to suspect that Shearer's departure is something approaching apocalypse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the body count rises, it becomes difficult not to suspect that derivatives trading may also impose significant costs on society as a whole.

Cornell University

In view of the leniency shown by German courts to Nazi murderers, it was difficult not to suspect that this objection was made in bad faith.

The New Yorker

Those kind of messages explain why it is difficult not to suspect that the club left an indelible part of its identity back at Upton Park and it was not long before stewards were trying to persuade the boisterous little pocket of home fans near the away end to sit down.

The Guardian - Sport

One looks at these two huge volumes of women's writings and traditions and it's difficult not to suspect that this compilation is not a monument to the culmination of the power and creativity of Irish women but rather a signal of almost the beginning of it.

The New York Times - Books

Four years since the perception of disabled athletes was altered for ever by the way their extraordinary feats were embraced and celebrated in London, it is difficult not to suspect that the Paralympic movement is taking a journey into the unknown in Rio.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite all the efforts of the prosecution, everybody could see that this man was not a "monster," but it was difficult indeed not to suspect that he was a clown.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer, more direct phrasing such as "hard to believe that" or "unlikely to suspect that" to avoid ambiguity and improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "difficult to suspect that" in formal writing. It's grammatically unconventional and can confuse readers. Choose alternatives like "hard to believe that" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to suspect that" functions as a comment expressing doubt or incredulity. Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard. Examples in Ludwig show attempts to convey disbelief, but more common constructions are preferred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "difficult to suspect that" might seem like a valid way to express doubt or disbelief, it's not a recommended construction in standard English. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, suggesting that it is grammatically awkward and unclear. Better alternatives include "hard to believe that" or "unlikely to think that". The phrase appears in news and scientific contexts, but its uncommon nature and potential for confusion make it best to avoid in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more direct language to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to believe that

Emphasizes disbelief or incredulity regarding a particular fact or situation. Direct replacement for "difficult to suspect that".

unlikely to think that

Highlights the improbability of a particular thought or suspicion arising.

difficult to imagine that

Focuses on the challenge of visualizing or conceiving a particular scenario.

strains credulity to think that

Highlights the difficulty of accepting something as true. More formal.

raises doubts that

Focuses on doubt. Subtle differences in the emphasis.

hard to swallow that

Indicates something is difficult to accept or believe. It's more informal.

beggars belief that

Suggests something is so extraordinary it's almost impossible to believe. It's very strong.

stretches the imagination to think that

Similar to "difficult to imagine", but emphasizes the effort required.

challenges the notion that

Directly questions the validity or truth of an idea.

makes one wonder if

Introduces a sense of uncertainty and questioning. Involves active suspicion.

FAQs

What does "difficult to suspect that" mean?

The phrase intends to convey that something is unlikely to be suspected or that it's challenging to believe a particular suspicion. However, it's grammatically awkward. Consider using alternatives such as "hard to believe that" or "unlikely to think that".

How can I use "difficult to suspect that" in a sentence?

While grammatically unconventional, you might use it to express disbelief or the challenge of forming a suspicion. However, clearer options usually exist. For example, instead of "It's difficult to suspect that he lied", try "It's "hard to believe that" he lied".

What can I say instead of "difficult to suspect that"?

You can use alternatives like ""hard to believe that"", "unlikely to think that", or "difficult to imagine that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "difficult to suspect that"?

No, the phrase "difficult to suspect that" is not considered correct in standard written English. It is better to use phrases like ""hard to believe that"" or "unlikely to think that".