flicker of suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary feeling of doubt or mistrust about someone or something. Example: "As she listened to his explanation, a flicker of suspicion crossed her mind, making her question his honesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then, with a flicker of suspicion, she demanded, "What are you doing?" "Ma, I love you more than life itself," the young man said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Mankind' was written in the dim phosphorescent hum of a flickering suspicion that some of us guys probably seem pretty primitive to some of you girls.

Vice

An atmosphere of suspicion prevails.

Independent

That look of suspicion.

The New York Times

There's a lot of suspicion around.

The New Yorker

"It is the sense of suspicion.

The New York Times

"There's a surfeit of suspicion".

Forbes

The level of suspicion has risen dramatically.

Forbes

The pinch of suspicion?

Huffington Post

Everything, therefore, weaves a web of suspicion.

Los Angeles Times

No flicker of hope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "flicker of suspicion" to subtly introduce doubt or uncertainty about a person's motives or a situation's truthfulness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of suspicion" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of suspicion" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It describes a brief or momentary feeling of doubt or mistrust.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of suspicion" effectively communicates a brief moment of doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase is a useful tool for nuanced writing. For alternative expressions, consider "hint of doubt" or "trace of mistrust", as they offer similar sentiments with slight variations in intensity and focus. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of doubt

Focuses on a subtle feeling of uncertainty, reducing the intensity.

trace of mistrust

Emphasizes a slight lack of trust, changing the emotional coloring.

shadow of uncertainty

Highlights the presence of doubt that creates an aura of uncertainty.

whiff of skepticism

Suggests a brief, almost imperceptible feeling of disbelief.

tinge of apprehension

Adds a sense of worry or anxiety to the suspicion.

glimmer of incredulity

Highlights a sense of disbelief or astonishment.

fleeting doubt

Emphasizes the transient nature of the doubt.

inkling of misgiving

Suggests a vague feeling of unease or apprehension.

vestige of wariness

Highlights the remaining trace of caution or distrust.

suggestion of distrust

Shifts the focus to an external indication of lack of trust.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of suspicion" to describe a brief feeling of doubt or mistrust, as in: "A flicker of suspicion crossed her face when he mentioned the alibi."

What's a good alternative to "flicker of suspicion"?

Alternatives include "hint of doubt", "trace of mistrust", or "shadow of uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flicker of suspicion" formal or informal?

"Flicker of suspicion" is generally considered suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in writing. It can be used in news reporting, fictional narratives, or analytical essays.

How does "flicker of suspicion" differ from "wave of suspicion"?

"Flicker of suspicion" implies a brief, momentary feeling, whereas "wave of suspicion" suggests a stronger, more pervasive feeling. The former is transient, the latter more substantial.