i suspect that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I suspect that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing a suspicion or a belief that something may be true. Example sentence: I suspect that she might know more about the situation than she is letting on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suspect that would happen.

The New York Times

I suspect that will continue.

The New York Times - Tech

Why do I suspect that?

The New Yorker

I suspect that is the case.

The New York Times

I suspect that means yes too.

The Guardian

I suspect that is also temperature-related".

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that means comprehensive insurance.

The Guardian

"I suspect that will continue," he said.

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that little has changed in these Family Courts.

The New York Times

But I suspect that won't last.

TechCrunch

I suspect that will end in 3, 2, 1….

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language. While "I suspect that" is perfectly acceptable, consider using alternatives like "I believe that" or "It seems likely that" to avoid repetition.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "I suspect that" can make your writing sound less confident. In formal contexts, consider using stronger verbs or rephrasing to convey more certainty where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I suspect that" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion that follows. It indicates a belief or opinion that is not presented as a definitive fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I suspect that" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing uncertainty or conjecture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions as a hedge, softening assertions and inviting consideration. Its neutral register and common usage across various sources, especially in news and media, underscore its utility in both formal and informal communication. While effective, varying language with alternatives like "I believe that" or "It seems likely that" can enrich writing and prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe that

Replaces "suspect" with "believe", indicating a slightly stronger degree of certainty.

I think that

Substitutes "suspect" with "think", conveying a more casual expression of opinion.

I imagine that

Replaces "suspect" with "imagine", suggesting a possibility based on limited evidence.

It is my suspicion that

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the subjective nature of the suspicion.

My hunch is that

Uses "hunch" instead of "suspect", indicating an intuitive feeling rather than a reasoned conclusion.

I have a feeling that

Expresses a feeling or premonition about something.

I'd wager that

Adds a speculative and less formal tone.

Chances are that

Shifts the focus to probability, rather than personal suspicion.

It seems likely that

Presents the statement as a likely possibility, removing the personal element.

I'm inclined to think that

Expresses a leaning towards a certain opinion or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "I suspect that" in a sentence?

Use "I suspect that" to introduce an opinion or belief that you hold but cannot definitively prove, for example, "I suspect that he's hiding something".

What phrases are similar to "I suspect that"?

Alternatives include /s/i+believe+that, /s/i+think+that, or /s/i+imagine+that, each carrying slightly different nuances of certainty or conjecture.

When is it appropriate to use "I suspect that"?

It is appropriate to use "I suspect that" when you want to express a belief or opinion based on some evidence, but without absolute certainty. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Is "I suspect that" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal academic writing, you might consider alternatives like "It is my hypothesis that" or "Evidence suggests that" for a more authoritative tone.