growing suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing feeling of doubt or mistrust regarding a person, situation, or event. Example: "As the investigation progressed, there was a growing suspicion that the suspect was not telling the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have a growing suspicion that their money is not being spent well.

The Economist

That Zhang was a skilled painter merely added to the growing suspicion.

The New York Times - Arts

Two encounters on this trip confirmed Wodak's growing suspicion with drug prohibition policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

My personal reasons for my own growing suspicion of the media are simple.

The New York Times

Around the same time, sources there say, there was growing suspicion that he had been stealing manuscripts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clemens was a great pitcher, but I would not vote for him because of growing suspicion that he was dirty.

The New York Times - Sports

The online tumult of the 2016 election fed into a growing suspicion of Silicon Valley's dominance over the public sphere.

The New Yorker

But there has been a growing suspicion among British Muslim communities that Prevent was not all that it seemed.

The Guardian

The new work supports a growing suspicion that those formerly boisterous black holes are among us now, but, having stopped their boisterous growth, are sleeping.

The New York Times - Science

There is a growing suspicion that Germany may close the affair without loss of prestige, but it is unlikely to gain much materially.

The New York Times

A lifelong endurance athlete, Fluhme said he paid for the drug testing because of his growing suspicion that more amateur cyclists were doping.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing suspicion" to express an escalating sense of doubt or mistrust, particularly when describing evolving situations or feelings. It is effective in conveying a gradual increase in skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "growing suspicion" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced vocabulary might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "increasing skepticism" or "emerging doubts" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing suspicion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an increasing sense of doubt or mistrust. Ludwig shows its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing suspicion" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an escalating feeling of doubt or mistrust. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its prevalence across various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it might be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "increasing skepticism" in certain academic or professional contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to highlight the development of skepticism over time. The frequency and breadth of its use across reputable sources solidify its validity and versatility in conveying this nuanced sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing distrust

Emphasizes the rise in a lack of trust, focusing on the relational aspect.

mounting skepticism

Highlights a rise in doubt, particularly in the context of evaluating claims or evidence.

rising doubt

Focuses on the increase in uncertainty or disbelief.

escalating mistrust

Suggests a rapid and significant increase in a lack of trust.

burgeoning apprehension

Implies a rapidly growing feeling of anxiety or unease.

developing unease

Indicates a gradual increase in discomfort or anxiety about a situation.

intensifying misgivings

Focuses on strengthening feelings of doubt or apprehension.

heightened wariness

Emphasizes an increased state of caution or vigilance.

amplified cynicism

Highlights a reinforced belief that people are generally selfish and dishonest.

deepening reservation

Indicates an increase in unspoken doubts or hesitations.

FAQs

How can I use "growing suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "growing suspicion" to describe an escalating feeling of doubt or mistrust. For instance, "There was a growing suspicion that the data had been manipulated."

What are some alternatives to "growing suspicion"?

Alternatives include "increasing distrust", "mounting skepticism", or "rising doubt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "growing suspicion" and "increased suspicion"?

"Growing suspicion" emphasizes a gradual increase in doubt over time, while "increased suspicion" simply indicates that suspicion has risen, without necessarily implying a gradual process.

Is "growing suspicion" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "increasing skepticism" or "emerging doubts" to maintain a refined tone.