growing suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in suspicion or doubt about someone or something. Example: "As the investigation progressed, the detective found himself growing suspicious of the alibi provided by the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Wilma is growing suspicious about what's going on between them; meanwhile, a zeppelin passes overhead.

The New Yorker

At first, she thought it was accidental; then she started growing suspicious.

The New York Times

The Emperor, growing suspicious, then asked him, "What is the fundamental teaching of Buddhism?" "Vast emptiness," said Bodhidharma.

Independent

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

The New York Times - Arts

Back in Pittsburgh, Mr. Cummings had connected with Ms. Toumei online and by telephone but was growing suspicious.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

No wonder people grew suspicious.

Independent

Some even grow suspicious.

The New York Times

Eventually the FBI grew suspicious.

The Washington Post

The German police grow suspicious of him.

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing suspicious" to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust, often based on accumulating evidence or observations.

Common error

While "growing suspicious" is valid, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "becoming wary" or "developing doubts" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing suspicious" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a progressive verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it describes an ongoing process of developing suspicion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "growing suspicious" is a grammatically sound and common verb phrase used to describe a gradual increase in doubt or mistrust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the ongoing development of suspicion. While its usage is prevalent in news and media, books, and general writing, varying your language with synonyms like "becoming wary" or "developing doubts" can enhance your writing. Remember to consider the context to choose the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming skeptical

Emphasizes a shift towards doubt, often based on evidence or reasoning.

becoming wary

Highlights a cautious or guarded feeling due to developing doubts.

developing doubts

Focuses on the emergence and formation of uncertainties.

starting to doubt

Indicates the initial stage of questioning or mistrust.

beginning to mistrust

Highlights the onset of a lack of trust.

getting doubtful

Suggests an increase in uncertainty.

getting leery

Implies an increase in cautiousness and distrust.

feeling dubious

Highlights a feeling of uncertainty or skepticism.

sensing something amiss

Indicates a feeling that something is wrong or not as it should be, leading to suspicion.

having second thoughts

Focuses on reconsidering a decision or belief, often due to emerging doubts.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing suspicious" to describe a gradual increase in doubt. For instance, "The detective was growing suspicious of the suspect's inconsistent statements."

What are some alternatives to "growing suspicious"?

Alternatives include "becoming wary", "developing doubts", or "starting to doubt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "becoming suspicious" instead of "growing suspicious"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable in terms of formality. "Growing suspicious" is slightly more common in general usage, but "becoming suspicious" is equally acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "growing suspicious" and "feeling suspicious"?

"Growing suspicious" indicates a gradual increase in suspicion over time, while "feeling suspicious" suggests a more immediate or sudden onset of suspicion.