have suspicions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have suspicions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about something or someone, indicating that you believe something may not be as it seems. Example: "I have suspicions that he may not be telling the truth about his whereabouts last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Did he have suspicions?

Independent

"Do people have suspicions?

The Guardian

But they have suspicions.

The New York Times

They have suspicions about Social Security.

The New York Times

Many parents simply never have suspicions.

The New York Times

These are people that do have suspicions.

Cornell University

"Certainly, we obviously have suspicions".

The Guardian

They have suspicions, but don't try for anything firmer.

The New York Times

When I see this I have to have suspicions".

Independent

"When they have suspicions, they don't want to come forward".

The New York Times

Merulla was beginning to have suspicions about Dominello.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have suspicions" when you want to express a feeling of doubt or mistrust without concrete evidence. It's suitable when you're not ready to make accusations but sense something might be amiss.

Common error

Avoid presenting your "suspicions" as facts. Clearly differentiate between a hunch or feeling and verified information to maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have suspicions" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of uncertainty or doubt. It indicates that someone holds a belief that something might be wrong or not as it seems, but without concrete evidence. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is commonly used to express such uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have suspicions" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey doubt or uncertainty. Grammatically correct and frequently appearing in contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science, it signifies a belief that something may not be as it seems, without definitive proof. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability and grammatical correctness. While useful, it's important to avoid presenting "suspicions" as confirmed facts and to consider more formal alternatives like "harbor doubts" in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a sneaking suspicion

Indicates a vague or intuitive feeling that something is the case.

harbor doubts

Implies a lingering feeling of uncertainty or disbelief.

have a funny feeling

Similar to a sneaking suspicion, but often related to premonitions or hunches.

entertain doubts

Suggests considering or allowing oneself to consider the possibility of something being untrue or unreliable.

feel skeptical

Highlights a general attitude of doubt or questioning.

be dubious about

Expresses uncertainty or hesitation about something.

smell a rat

An idiomatic expression indicating a belief that something is wrong or deceitful.

question the veracity of

Directly challenges the truthfulness or accuracy of something.

be wary of

Focuses on caution and mistrust towards someone or something.

think something's fishy

Informal way to express that something seems suspicious or wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "have suspicions" in a sentence?

You can use "have suspicions" to express a feeling that something is not quite right, even without proof. For example, "I "have suspicions" about his alibi because his story keeps changing."

What's a more formal alternative to "have suspicions"?

For a more formal tone, you might use "harbor doubts" or "entertain doubts", which convey a similar meaning with a more serious connotation.

Is it appropriate to use "have suspicions" in professional writing?

Yes, "have suspicions" is appropriate in professional writing when you need to express doubt or concern, but it's crucial to present it cautiously and avoid making unsubstantiated claims. Ensure your language remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "have suspicions" and "know for sure"?

"Have suspicions" indicates a feeling or belief that something is the case, but without definitive proof. In contrast, "know for sure" implies certainty and confirmed information. If you "have suspicions", you need further investigation to "know for sure".