it is suspicious if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is suspicious if" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a condition or situation that raises doubt or concern about something. Example: "It is suspicious if the same person wins the lottery multiple times in a row."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But as a money-saving measure it is suspicious, if not outright low.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The idea of self-assessment was totally new to me and I was suspicious if it works effectively because I did not trust in students' ability to justly assess themselves.

Language Testing in Asia

One student highlights this, at first being skeptical of the notion that students can be trusted to assess themselves, yet comes to the conclusion that students are in fact trustworthy: The idea of self-assessment was totally new to me and I was suspicious if it works effectively because I did not trust in students' ability to justly assess themselves.

Language Testing in Asia

It would be suspicious if you showed up to work looking well-rested and excited about life.

WikiHow

I did it to some other girls as well, so that it wouldn't be suspicious if I approached her again.

The New Yorker

"Please don't apologize,'' I told her. "I'm relieved!'' Pinot noir is not supposed to be particularly dark, and I tend to be suspicious if it is.

The New York Times

For instance, a package was suspicious if it had badly typed lettering, what I call the terrorist font, or if there was an obviously misspelled word, like if the word "jihad" is misspelled.

The New Yorker

So its always best to be suspicious if the company sends you a check before you complete the work, even if their email or letter has an MSPA logo.[6].

WikiHow

Their parents would not be suspicious if they smelled it on them.

The New Yorker

Don't fake food poisoning from something your parents or siblings ate too; they will be suspicious if you are ill from it and they aren't.

WikiHow

If it is a cold day and you are known to wing it and wear shorts and a shirt, people may be suspicious if you come wearing a sweatshirt.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is suspicious if", ensure the condition you are introducing is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, "It is suspicious if a company offers unusually high returns with no risk."

Common error

While acceptable, "it is suspicious if" can sound informal in academic or business contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "it warrants scrutiny if" or "it raises concerns when" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is suspicious if" functions as a conditional connector, introducing a scenario that prompts doubt or warrants further investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is suspicious if" serves as a conditional connector that expresses doubt or concern contingent on a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, while advising that it might sound too informal for strict academic or business writing. The phrase appears frequently across News & Media, Wiki, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: make sure the conditional part is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "it raises suspicion when" for a similar meaning or "it warrants scrutiny if" for a more formal option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it raises suspicion when

Changes the verb and preposition while maintaining the conditional implication.

it seems questionable if

Replaces "suspicious" with "questionable" to soften the tone.

it appears doubtful if

Substitutes "suspicious" with "doubtful", focusing on uncertainty.

red flags appear when

Uses idiomatic expression indicating warning signs.

one might be wary if

Introduces a cautious perspective regarding a specific condition.

caution is advised if

Highlights the need for careful consideration under certain circumstances.

it warrants scrutiny if

Suggests a need for close examination under specific conditions.

it rings alarm bells when

Employs an idiomatic expression to denote a warning.

it causes concern if

Directly states that a certain situation leads to worry.

skepticism is justified if

Indicates that doubt is reasonable under the circumstances.

FAQs

What does "it is suspicious if" mean?

The phrase "it is suspicious if" indicates that a particular situation or condition raises doubt, concern, or distrust. It suggests that something might be wrong or that further investigation is warranted.

What can I say instead of "it is suspicious if"?

You can use alternatives like "it raises suspicion when", "it seems questionable if", or "caution is advised if" depending on the context.

How can I use "it is suspicious if" in a sentence?

You can use "it is suspicious if" to introduce a condition that makes you doubt something. For example: "It is suspicious if the price is too low."

Is "it is suspicious if" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is suspicious if" leans towards informal usage. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it warrants scrutiny if" or "it raises concerns when".