got suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

'got suspicious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone's emotional change from not being suspicious to being suspicious. Example: When I heard a strange noise coming from upstairs, I got suspicious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A clerk got suspicious.

The New York Times

"That's when I got suspicious.

The Guardian - Business

The teller, who recognized her from the morning, got suspicious.

The New Yorker

AUGUST 8th: Got suspicious when Bella stopped returning my calls.

The New Yorker

But then the second itemized invoice came in, and the team got suspicious.

The New York Times

"He's like, 'You should go up in the elevator.' That's when I got suspicious".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We get suspicious.

The New York Times

"You get suspicious.

The Guardian - Film

Others see something ambiguous and get suspicious.

The New Yorker

My landlords had been getting suspicious anyway.

The Guardian - Tech

Well, by now you should be starting to get suspicious.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got suspicious" to clearly indicate a transition from a state of trust or neutrality to one of doubt or wariness. The phrase is most effective when preceding the reason for the change in feeling.

Common error

While "got suspicious" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "became skeptical" or "formed a suspicion" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got suspicious" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of becoming doubtful or distrustful. As Ludwig indicates, this shows a transition to suspicion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got suspicious" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys a transition from a state of trust or neutrality to one of doubt or wariness. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, but also appears in science, formal business, and more informal settings. When aiming for more formal or sophisticated writing, alternatives such as "became skeptical" or "formed a suspicion" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formed a suspicion

Indicates the development of a firm belief, albeit without concrete proof, that something is wrong.

became wary

Focuses on the increasing feeling of caution and distrust.

became skeptical

Implies a questioning attitude and disbelief.

grew doubtful

Highlights the increasing uncertainty and lack of conviction.

started to doubt

Emphasizes the initial point when suspicion began to form.

began to wonder

Suggests the start of a questioning process, often driven by incomplete information.

sensed something amiss

Highlights the perception that something is wrong or out of place, sparking suspicion.

smelled a rat

An idiomatic expression suggesting a strong sense of deception or foul play.

took umbrage

Signifies an offense or resentment due to something seen as questionable.

felt apprehensive

Emphasizes the anxiety and unease associated with potential risk or deceit.

FAQs

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

You can use "got suspicious" to describe a feeling that someone or something is not as it appears. For example: "I "got suspicious" when he avoided eye contact".

What are some alternatives to "got suspicious"?

Alternatives include "became wary", "grew doubtful", or "started to doubt" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "became suspicious" or "got suspicious"?

"Became suspicious" is slightly more formal, while "got suspicious" is more common in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What does it mean when someone says they "smelled a rat" after they "got suspicious"?

If someone says they "smelled a rat" after they "got suspicious", it means they strongly suspect deception or foul play. It's an idiomatic way of expressing a heightened sense of unease and distrust.