has been suspected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been suspected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is believed to be true or likely, but without definitive proof, often in contexts involving investigations or theories. Example: "The suspect has been suspected of involvement in the crime for several months, but no charges have been filed yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

It also has been suspected to occur in some cancer-causing viruses in humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roger Clemens, Jeter's friend and former teammate, has been suspected of steroid use.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been suspected of misogyny – and then defended as feminist.

The Guardian - Film

He has been suspected of using them because he had bulked up significantly over the years.

The New York Times - Sports

Israel has been suspected of launching an attack on Sudanese soil before.

The New York Times

Beijing has been suspected of trying to steal American corporate and government secrets through computer espionage.

The New York Times

The Indonesian Army, a state within a state, has been suspected of supporting the group.

The New York Times

"It's eight years later," said Gaines, who has been suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs.

The New York Times - Sports

North Korea has been suspected of hacking as a way to achieve diplomatic goals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been suspected", ensure that the context provides some basis for the suspicion, even if it's not conclusive evidence. This adds credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting something that "has been suspected" as if it has been definitively proven. Clearly differentiate between suspicion and established fact to maintain accuracy and ethical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been suspected" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the object of suspicion. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been suspected" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express suspicion or conjecture without definitive proof. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's prevalent in news, scientific, and general contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by hinting to the basis of suspicion to add credibility, and prevent misinterpretations by clearly differentiating suspicion from fact. While various alternatives exist, such as "is believed to be" or "is alleged to be", their specific meanings and connotations may vary slightly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is believed to be

Focuses on belief rather than suspicion, suggesting a slightly stronger degree of acceptance.

is presumed to be

Implies a logical inference based on available evidence, but without definitive proof.

is thought to be

Similar to "is believed to be", but can also imply a more casual or less formal assessment.

is speculated to be

Highlights the speculative nature of the claim, often used when there is limited evidence.

is considered to be

Indicates a formal evaluation or judgment by a group or authority.

is rumored to be

Suggests that the information is based on unofficial sources and may not be reliable.

is alleged to be

Typically used in legal contexts to indicate an accusation that has not yet been proven.

is considered a possibility

Indicates a more cautious assessment, emphasizing that something is only one of several potential explanations.

raises suspicion of

Shifts the focus to the act of suspecting rather than the state of being suspected.

is under scrutiny for

Suggests a formal investigation or examination to determine the truth.

FAQs

How do I use "has been suspected" in a sentence?

Use "has been suspected" to indicate that someone or something is believed to be involved in something, often wrongdoing, without conclusive proof. For example, "The defendant "has been suspected" of fraud for several months".

What are some alternatives to "has been suspected"?

Alternatives include "is believed to be", "is thought to be", or "is alleged to be", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "has been suspected"?

The passive voice ("has been suspected") is often used to avoid directly naming the suspect or to emphasize the action rather than the actor. The active voice (e.g., "investigators suspect...") is more direct and places emphasis on the actor.

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

"Has been accused" implies a formal charge or allegation has been made, while ""has been suspected"" simply suggests a belief or conjecture without formal charges.