grew suspicious of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew suspicious of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to show that someone's attitude or opinion towards an individual or situation changed from being trusting to being distrustful. For example: "When he saw the bank statement, he grew suspicious of his wife's spending habits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

She grew suspicious of the changes in me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I grew suspicious of pains in my back.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mao, in his latter years, grew suspicious of everyone around him, including Zhou Enlai.

The New York Times

At first, he seemed attentive, but she grew suspicious of him.

The New York Times

Mr. Comey and his agents also grew suspicious of Justice Department prosecutors.

The New York Times

He was arrested on Aug. 16 in Minnesota after the authorities grew suspicious of his conduct.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The German police grow suspicious of him.

The New York Times - Books

"She began to grow suspicious of the future...

The New York Times - Books

Protesters have grown suspicious of the military, which still rules by decree.

The New York Times

So too are glass and china babyware, as mothers grow suspicious of plastics.

The Economist

While some examine donations as a matter of course, others did so only after growing suspicious of Mr. Landis.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "grew suspicious of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what triggered the suspicion. Be specific about the object or person the suspicion is directed towards.

Common error

Avoid using "grew suspicious of" when a milder term like "became curious about" or "started to wonder about" is more appropriate. "Grew suspicious of" suggests a developing sense of mistrust, not just simple curiosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew suspicious of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual development of distrust or doubt towards someone or something. It describes a change in perception or belief, moving from a state of trust or neutrality to one of skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew suspicious of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a gradual development of distrust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for use in written English. With examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase exhibits a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "grew suspicious of", ensure clarity in specifying the object of suspicion and be mindful of the intensity of the distrust being conveyed. Alternatives such as "became wary of" or "started to distrust" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The phrase's widespread use and consistent meaning make it a valuable tool for expressing evolving perceptions of trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became skeptical of

Indicates a questioning attitude and a tendency to doubt claims or assertions.

started to distrust

Emphasizes the active erosion of trust, implying a previous state of trust existed.

became wary of

Suggests a cautious alertness to potential danger or deception; less direct than "grew suspicious of".

began to disbelieve

Suggests an active rejection of belief, often due to contradictory evidence or experiences.

became doubtful about

Focuses on uncertainty or lack of conviction, rather than necessarily suspecting wrongdoing.

developed misgivings about

Implies a growing sense of unease or apprehension, not necessarily linked to suspicion of wrongdoing.

began to question

Highlights the act of inquiry and investigation, rather than a firm conclusion of suspicion.

started having reservations about

Focuses on holding back full support or commitment due to lingering doubts or concerns.

lost faith in

Indicates a decline in belief or confidence, potentially stemming from disappointment rather than suspicion.

formed a negative opinion of

General expression of changing feelings from positive to negative.

FAQs

How to use "grew suspicious of" in a sentence?

Use "grew suspicious of" to describe a gradual shift from trust to distrust. For example, "After noticing several discrepancies, the auditor "grew suspicious of" the company's financial records."

What can I say instead of "grew suspicious of"?

You can use alternatives like "became wary of", "started to distrust", or "became skeptical of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grew suspicious of" or "grow suspicious of"?

"Grew suspicious of" is the past tense form. Use "grow suspicious of" for present or future contexts, such as "I grow suspicious of his motives every time he asks for money."

What's the difference between "grew suspicious of" and "became aware of"?

"Grew suspicious of" implies a developing distrust, while "became aware of" simply means gaining knowledge or understanding about something. For instance, one might "grow suspicious of" someone's actions after they "became aware of" their past.