has been suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been regarded with suspicion over a period of time. Example: "The company's financial practices have been suspect for years, raising concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But the quarterback play has been suspect.

The New York Times - Sports

His defense, once reliable, has been suspect.

The New York Times - Sports

One popular restaurant has been suspect for some time now.

The New York Times

The Giants' secondary has been suspect all season, frequently hurt by communications breakdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

But the quality of his opponents has been suspect, as has been his defense.

The New York Times - Sports

The defense has looked good in the preseason, but the offense has been suspect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Diesel exhaust has been suspected to be a lung carcinogen.

Harvard University

The crossword puzzle has been suspected of treason before.

The New Yorker

But she has been suspected of being a male before.

The New York Times

One source that has been suspected and evidenced for some time is the intervertebral disc.

The Spine Journal

During the last decade an increase of LS in young women has been suspected.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been suspect", ensure the context clearly identifies what or who is being regarded with suspicion and the reasons behind it. Clarity is key in conveying the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "has been suspect" in vague or ambiguous situations. Always provide sufficient background information to explain why something is considered suspect. Without context, the phrase can sound accusatory or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been suspect" functions as a predicate adjective, where "has been" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "suspect". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a state of doubt or uncertainty regarding someone or something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been suspect" serves to express doubt or a lack of trust regarding a particular entity or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various forms of media, particularly in News & Media and Science. Its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various communication scenarios. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "has been questionable" or "has raised concerns" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been questionable

Replaces "suspect" with a more general term indicating doubt or uncertainty.

has been doubtful

Similar to "questionable" but emphasizes a lack of certainty.

has been dubious

Suggests stronger doubts about the honesty or legitimacy of something.

has been under suspicion

More explicitly states that something is being suspected of wrongdoing.

has raised concerns

Shifts the focus to the effect of the suspect item, rather than the suspicion itself.

has been called into question

A more formal way of saying something has been doubted.

has been discredited

Indicates that something has lost credibility.

is open to doubt

Expresses that something is not certain or reliable.

is not above suspicion

Implies that someone or something is capable of wrongdoing.

has been impugned

A more formal and legalistic term indicating that something has been challenged or attacked.

FAQs

How can I use "has been suspect" in a sentence?

You can use "has been suspect" to describe something that has been regarded with doubt or mistrust. For example, "The company's accounting practices "has been suspect" for several years."

What are some alternatives to "has been suspect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "has been questionable", "has been doubtful", or "has raised concerns", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has been suspect" or "is suspect"?

The choice depends on the time frame. "Has been suspect" implies the suspicion has existed for a period, while "is suspect" suggests it's a current assessment. For example, "His alibi "is suspect" now" versus "His alibi "has been suspect" since the beginning."

What's the difference between "has been suspect" and "has been accused"?

"Has been suspect" means something is regarded with doubt or mistrust, while "has been accused" means someone has been formally charged or blamed for something. Suspicion doesn't necessarily involve a formal accusation.