grounds for suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

"grounds for suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there are indications of something inappropriate or untrustworthy. For example, "The discrepancies in his story gave me grounds for suspicion".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their grounds for suspicion?

The Economist

But there are grounds for suspicion.

The Economist

There are further grounds for suspicion.

The New Yorker

Mr. Finneran's critics have other grounds for suspicion.

The New York Times

Valid grounds for suspicion of the existence of a nuisance must exist.

Cornell University

Innocent people who present no legitimate grounds for suspicion should not be stopped at all.

The New York Times

(Dexter Filkins wrote in October about some of their particular grounds for suspicion).

The New Yorker

Access will be given to military sites when there are demonstrable grounds for suspicion.

The Guardian

They were all then all then apprehended without officers providing reasonable grounds for suspicion.

The Guardian

The government asked the court to create this precedent, though in this case it had genuine grounds for suspicion.

The New York Times

The court's ruling, she said, is a warning that to be an observant Jew in Iran is grounds for suspicion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grounds for suspicion", ensure you can articulate the specific reasons or evidence that support the suspicion. Vague or unsubstantiated claims can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "grounds for suspicion" as definitive proof or fact. Clearly differentiate between suspicion and confirmed evidence to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for suspicion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the underlying reasons or evidence that lead to a state of suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules and is widely acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grounds for suspicion" is a noun phrase that signifies reasons to be doubtful or distrustful. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, academia and science. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to substantiate the suspicion with specific evidence rather than presenting it as conclusive fact. Semantically related alternatives include "reasons for doubt" and "cause for mistrust", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these guidelines ensures the accurate and effective use of "grounds for suspicion" in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis for skepticism

Highlights the presence of a rational or critical approach.

cause for mistrust

Emphasizes a lack of trust due to certain events or information.

justification for distrust

Highlights the legitimacy and validity to show a lack of trust.

indicators of irregularity

Highlights the presence of something deviating from the norm.

reasons for doubt

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty or disbelief.

signs of foul play

Implies deceitful or illegal actions.

reason to be wary

Suggests a need for caution and vigilance.

sources of apprehension

Focuses on what causes unease or anxiety.

elements of doubt

Suggests a subtle feeling about the possibility of something.

seeds of uncertainty

Focuses on the early stages of uncertainty or doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "grounds for suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "grounds for suspicion" to indicate that there are reasons to believe something is not right. For example, "The inconsistencies in his report provided "grounds for suspicion"".

What are some alternatives to "grounds for suspicion"?

Some alternatives include "reasons for doubt", "cause for mistrust", or "basis for skepticism". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grounds for suspicion" in formal writing?

Yes, "grounds for suspicion" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing legal, ethical, or investigative matters. Ensure that your claims are supported by credible evidence.

What is the difference between "grounds for suspicion" and "proof of guilt"?

"Grounds for suspicion" suggests there are reasons to be suspicious, but it does not confirm guilt. "Proof of guilt" means there is enough evidence to establish that someone committed a crime or wrongdoing.