grow suspicious of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow suspicious of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust towards someone or something. Example: "As the investigation progressed, the detective began to grow suspicious of the alibi provided by the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"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

Mr Berezovsky told the judge that Mr Abramovich's political influence had increased and by 2000 his position with Mr Putin was "completely cemented" - and he said he had "begun to grow suspicious of Mr Abramovich".

Independent

In the Ivy League, where the university presidents sometimes exert rigorous control of sports teams and can grow suspicious of too much athletic success, there may be no more prickly subject than the notion that athletes receive unduly preferential consideration in the admissions process.

The New York Times - Sports

Federal and Senate investigators suggested that Citibank officials had considerable reason to grow suspicious of M. A. Bank after May 18 , 1998 when they were ordered to seize the $1.8 million -- all that was left of $7.7 million that Mexican drug traffickers had funneled through the account.

The New York Times

But after that achievement the two sides seemed to grow suspicious of each other's power.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 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

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

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow suspicious of" to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust, rather than a sudden realization. For instance, "The detective began to "grow suspicious of" the witness's inconsistent statements."

Common error

Avoid using "grow suspicious of" when describing a sudden, immediate feeling of suspicion. "Immediately suspecting" or "suddenly becoming suspicious" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow suspicious of" functions as a verb phrase that describes a gradual development of doubt or mistrust toward someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to express an evolving feeling of skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow suspicious of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that this phrase conveys a process of developing skepticism, not a sudden realization. For alternatives, consider options like "become wary of" or "start to mistrust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. As exemplified by the many real-world examples, this phrase is a versatile tool for expressing evolving uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to mistrust

Focuses on the development of a lack of trust, which is a core component of suspicion.

become wary of

Implies a cautious awareness of potential danger or deception, shifting the focus slightly from suspicion to alertness.

begin to doubt

Emphasizes the emergence of uncertainty or disbelief, a precursor to suspicion.

harbor suspicions regarding

Suggests a more secretive or internalized state of suspicion.

develop misgivings about

Suggests the formation of feelings of doubt or apprehension about something.

get leery of

An informal way of saying to become cautious or distrustful, adding a casual tone.

find oneself questioning

Highlights the internal process of doubting and scrutinizing someone or something.

conceive doubts about

A more formal phrasing that highlights the mental formation of doubts.

take a dim view of

Emphasizes disapproval and skepticism, adding a layer of negativity beyond simple suspicion.

lose faith in

Implies a complete erosion of trust and belief, a more extreme form of suspicion.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow suspicious of" to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust. For example, "As the investigation progressed, the detective began to "grow suspicious of" the suspect's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "grow suspicious of"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "become wary of", "start to mistrust", or "begin to doubt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "grow suspicious of" and "become suspicious of"?

"Grow suspicious of" implies a gradual development of suspicion, while "become suspicious of" suggests a more sudden onset. The choice depends on whether the suspicion developed over time or arose quickly.

When is it appropriate to use "grow suspicious of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "grow suspicious of" when you want to emphasize the gradual development of doubt or mistrust over a period. This is commonly seen in narratives, news reports, and analyses where situations evolve and perceptions change.