increases suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increases suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or behaviors that lead to heightened doubt or mistrust regarding a person or situation. Example: "His secretive behavior increases suspicion among his colleagues about his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The government's own reticence in publishing information about the strategy – from how success is measured, to what happens to the data of those referred – only increases suspicion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus the refusal to agree to the new code increases suspicion that there might be a parallel covert nuclear programme under construction.

The Guardian

One can argue, as Dean Godson was belatedly trying to, that such literature disrupts social cohesion and increases suspicion among different communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

He then insisted that the findings of an internal investigation into possible corruption during the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups be kept secret, despite protests from inside FIFA itself.That increases suspicion that the investigation, led by Michael Garcia, an American lawyer, found dodgy dealing in the choice of hosts.

The Economist

However, a positive test result only moderately increases suspicion of disease, particularly when screening for sporadic pheochromocytoma.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

However, a positive test result only moderately increases suspicion of disease, particularly in low risk subjects being tested for sporadic pheochromocytoma.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It increases suspicions and leads one to wonder what else they have hidden.

The Guardian

Assad's rejection not only represents a defiant stance in the face of U.S. attempts to bring to heel the Syrian regime, but also it increases suspicions of Syrian culpability in the murder of Hariri.

Forbes

And once welcome, Chinese investment in Africa is viewed with increasing suspicion.

The New York Times

If the Great Recession increased suspicion of child maltreatment, why were fewer cases reported?

The New York Times

To complicate matters, Haitians are starting to look toward the outside world with increasing suspicion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increases suspicion", ensure that the subject causing the increase is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The lack of transparency clearly increases suspicion".

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure the actor causing the increase in suspicion. Instead of "Suspicion is increased by the actions", use "The actions increase suspicion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increases suspicion" functions as a verb phrase acting upon a noun. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a situation where something causes a rise in doubt or mistrust. The verb "increases" takes "suspicion" as its object, indicating a direct effect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increases suspicion" is grammatically sound and serves to denote a rise in doubt or mistrust caused by a particular action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, especially in news, media and scientific discourse. While the phrase itself is valid, careful attention should be paid to ensuring clarity by explicitly identifying the cause of increased suspicion. It is important to avoid passive voice to maintain a clear and direct expression. Although not extremely common, it's a functional phrase with several alternative phrasings to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raises doubt

Focuses more directly on the creation of doubt rather than the intensification of existing suspicion.

heightens mistrust

Emphasizes the growth of mistrust, suggesting a deeper level of unease than simple suspicion.

fuels skepticism

Implies that skepticism is being actively fed or strengthened.

breeds distrust

Highlights the creation and growth of distrust as a consequence.

stokes uncertainty

Suggests that uncertainty is being actively fanned or provoked.

promotes doubt

Emphasizes the action of actively encouraging doubt.

fosters incredulity

Indicates the development of disbelief or skepticism.

gives rise to misgivings

Suggests the emergence of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

engenders wariness

Highlights the creation of a cautious or guarded attitude.

inflames misgivings

Indicates the amplification of pre-existing misgivings.

FAQs

How can I use "increases suspicion" in a sentence?

Use "increases suspicion" to describe actions or events that cause doubt or mistrust to grow. For example, "His evasiveness "increases suspicion" among the investigators".

What are some alternatives to "increases suspicion"?

You can use alternatives like "raises doubt", "heightens mistrust", or "fuels skepticism" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "increase suspicion" or "increases suspicion"?

"Increases suspicion" is grammatically correct when the subject is singular or third-person singular (he, she, it). Use "increase suspicion" with plural subjects (they, we) or the pronoun "I".

What's the difference between "arouses suspicion" and "increases suspicion"?

"Arouses suspicion" implies the initial creation of suspicion, while ""increases suspicion"" suggests making existing suspicion stronger. The choice depends on whether suspicion already exists.