increasing suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasing suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a growing sense of doubt or mistrust regarding a person, situation, or event. Example: "As the investigation progressed, there was an increasing suspicion among the team that something was being hidden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Falk RH, Dorbala S. Pursuing an underdiagnosed disease: a simple imaging test for increasing suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis.

Harvard University

Also, there is increasing suspicion that they may cause serious side effects, notably diabetes, in some cases leading to death.

The New York Times

He also faces increasing suspicion of America's economic, military and cultural power, and the resentments it has engendered.

The New York Times

As concern over steroid use grew in recent years, McGwire, in retirement, found himself under increasing suspicion.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Though Mr. Musharraf forged a personal bond with President Bush that assured American support for him even as his public standing declined precipitously, he produced only mixed results for Washington, increasing suspicions that he was playing a double game.

The New York Times

Over the next five days, at least five more Syrian shells exploded in Turkey, increasing suspicions that Syria was deliberately needling its neighbor in an effort to undermine Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Washington Post

But instead it is increasing suspicions in India and Bangladesh in particular that upstream countries, notably China, hold the keys to the river flows and will use them for strategic gain.

The New York Times

But his appearance that day caused more problems by increasing suspicions among conservatives about the group's framework -- and boosting their distrust of any bipartisan dealmaking.

Huffington Post

Here we review the characteristics of any mole that should increase suspicion of cancer.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increasing suspicion", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the suspicion to grow. Be specific about the factors contributing to the rising doubt or mistrust.

Common error

Avoid using "increasing suspicion" when the level of doubt is only slight or uncertain. Ensure there is a tangible build-up of reasons or evidence to justify the claim of growing mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing suspicion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "increasing" acts as a modifier describing the growing nature of the suspicion. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increasing suspicion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual rise in doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in scientific and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the cause of the suspicion. Related phrases include "growing distrust" and "rising doubt". Overall, "increasing suspicion" is a useful and versatile phrase for expressing the development of doubt in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing distrust

Focuses on the erosion of trust over time.

rising doubt

Highlights the escalation of uncertainty.

mounting skepticism

Emphasizes a growing sense of disbelief or questioning.

heightening mistrust

Implies that mistrust is intensifying.

escalating wariness

Suggests a gradual increase in caution and guardedness.

developing reservations

Focuses on the formation of doubts or concerns.

accumulating misgivings

Highlights the buildup of uneasy feelings.

strengthening disbelief

Emphasizes the reinforcement of a lack of belief.

intensifying reservations

Implies that reservations are becoming stronger.

deepening qualms

Focuses on the intensification of feelings of unease.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "increasing suspicion" in a sentence?

To effectively use "increasing suspicion", make sure to clearly state who holds the suspicion and what the object of their suspicion is. For instance, "There was "increasing suspicion" among the investigators that the suspect was lying."

What are some alternatives to "increasing suspicion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "growing distrust", "rising doubt", or "mounting skepticism" instead of "increasing suspicion".

Is it more appropriate to say "increasing suspicion" or "increasing skepticism"?

"Increasing suspicion" and "increasing skepticism" are similar, but "increasing suspicion" implies a stronger sense of mistrust, often suggesting a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. "Increasing skepticism" suggests a more general doubt or questioning.

What leads to "increasing suspicion" in a situation?

Increasing suspicion typically arises from a series of events, inconsistencies, or behaviors that cumulatively erode trust and create a sense of doubt or mistrust.