grow suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when one is describing someone's increasing suspicions of something or someone. For example, "After months of not hearing from her sister, Alice began to grow suspicious of her disappearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Some even grow suspicious.

The New York Times

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

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

The Economist

"Yes no more texts," Ramirez said at one stage, apparently concerned Harger would grow suspicious.

The Guardian

They grow suspicious, finding that some of her accusations seem fabricated.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

No wonder people grew suspicious.

Independent

Eventually the FBI grew suspicious.

The Washington Post

Still, the G.B.I. agents were growing suspicious.

The New Yorker

The society matron Victoria Madeleine Stowee) grows suspicious about this Hamptons upstart.

The New York Times

The workers grew suspicious that they would not be paid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow suspicious" to describe a gradual increase in doubt, rather than a sudden realization. For example, "The detective began to grow suspicious as inconsistencies in the witness's story emerged".

Common error

While "grow suspicious" is correct, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "become wary" or "begin to doubt" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow suspicious" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a gradual development of doubt or mistrust. It describes a process where someone's initial trust erodes, leading them to question the truthfulness or reliability of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow suspicious" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the gradual development of doubt or mistrust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember to use it to illustrate a gradual increase in doubt and consider synonyms to avoid repetition. It maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for various forms of communication. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively convey the nuances of changing beliefs and attitudes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become wary

Focuses on the increasing caution or carefulness, highlighting a shift in attitude.

begin to doubt

Emphasizes the initial stage of questioning or uncertainty.

develop misgivings

Highlights the development of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

start mistrusting

Directly indicates the beginning of a lack of trust.

get skeptical

Emphasizes the increasing tendency to question or disbelieve.

feel apprehensive

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad might happen.

sense something amiss

Focuses on the intuition that something is wrong or out of place.

take a dim view

Indicates a negative or pessimistic perspective is developing.

have reservations

Emphasizes holding back complete acceptance or trust.

lose faith in

Indicates a decline in trust or confidence in something or someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow suspicious" to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust, such as, "The government grew suspicious of the company's financial activities after irregularities were discovered."

What are some alternatives to "grow suspicious"?

Consider using alternatives such as "become wary", "begin to doubt", or "develop misgivings" to add variety to your writing.

Is it more appropriate to say "grow suspicious" or "become suspicious"?

Both "grow suspicious" and "become suspicious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired tone and context; "grow suspicious" often suggests a more gradual process.

What's the difference between "grow suspicious" and "become skeptical"?

"Grow suspicious" generally implies a feeling of mistrust towards a specific person or situation, while "become skeptical" suggests a more general questioning attitude or doubt towards claims or information.