is suspiciously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is suspiciously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that raises doubts or seems questionable in nature. Example: "The sudden change in his behavior is suspiciously timed with the arrival of the new manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A is suspiciously postmodern.

The New Yorker

His curly hair is suspiciously dark.

Independent

The boeuf bourguignon has requisite heft but is suspiciously porcine.

The New Yorker

"Cocktail of chemicals" (page 8) is suspiciously environmentalist sort of language.

The New York Times

FOR a comparatively young genre, pop music is suspiciously full of "historic" moments.

The Economist

The store on the first floor is suspiciously closed, and the lawyers are getting very nervous.

The New York Times

Treating sexual response as purely physiological, innate and immutable is not postfeminist; it is suspiciously antifeminist.

The New York Times

The story they tell, as Badahur notes, is suspiciously self-serving.

The Guardian - Books

Far from it: their attitude to safeguarding themselves in the working environment is suspiciously suicidal.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Angels are suspiciously diabolical.

The New York Times - Arts

Her house was suspiciously tidy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is suspiciously", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the suspicion is directed towards. For example, specify what behavior, object, or situation is causing the doubt.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is suspiciously" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more neutral or precise language to maintain objectivity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is suspiciously" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which something is or appears. It adds a layer of doubt or skepticism to the verb it modifies, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

9%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is suspiciously" serves as an adverbial modifier, conveying doubt or skepticism about something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding overly judgmental. Alternatives like "seems questionable" or "appears dubious" can offer a more neutral tone. Overall, "is suspiciously" is a powerful tool for expressing doubt, provided it aligns with the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems questionable

Replaces the direct adverb with a more general adjective expressing doubt.

appears dubious

Uses a stronger adjective to indicate a high degree of doubt.

raises doubts

Shifts from describing a state to describing an action of causing doubt.

looks fishy

Employs an informal, idiomatic expression to convey suspicion.

is open to question

Presents the situation as uncertain and requiring further examination.

is viewed with skepticism

Highlights the attitude of disbelief or doubt towards something.

is regarded skeptically

Focuses on the skeptical assessment of the subject.

smacks of deception

Suggests a hint or trace of deceit, adding a layer of moral judgment.

is somewhat suspect

Uses a milder adjective to convey a lesser degree of suspicion.

prompts uncertainty

Focuses on the effect of causing a feeling of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "is suspiciously" in a sentence?

The phrase "is suspiciously" can be used to express doubt or skepticism about something. For example, "The calmness of the witness "is suspiciously" unusual."

What are some alternatives to "is suspiciously"?

Alternatives include "seems questionable", "appears dubious", or "raises doubts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "is suspiciously"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "is", indicating the manner in which something exists or occurs.

When should I avoid using "is suspiciously" in my writing?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "is suspiciously" in highly formal or academic contexts where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Choose alternatives that convey doubt without sounding judgmental.