it looked suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looked suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that raises doubt or concern about its legitimacy or safety. Example: "As I walked past the alley, I noticed a package lying on the ground, and it looked suspicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

To the Boston Red Sox, it looked suspicious.

The New York Times - Sports

I suppose it looked suspicious on X-ray, so I just stopped carrying it.

The New York Times

But I could see now that, from my grandmother's perspective, it looked suspicious.

The New Yorker

The package was referred to the police as it was believed it looked suspicious.

The Guardian

But if it looked suspicious, he said, it was only because of fears of China.

The New York Times

When they bought strike insurance in 1980, they did not disclose it and when it became known, it looked suspicious to fans.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Still, that doesn't mean you should click on a link if it looks suspicious.

Cornell University

Possibly, if a tag is irritated, red or bleeding, or if it looks suspicious.

The Washington Post

American resistance to labeling, though, rankles some Europeans, who say it looks suspicious.

The New York Times

"I can see why it looks suspicious, but the proof is in the piece," she said.

The New York Times - Style

"It looks suspicious," Daniel Maffei, communications director for the Democratic minority on the committee, said of Mr. Thomas's proposal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that incites concern or lacks transparency, use "it looked suspicious" to convey doubt without making a definitive accusation. This allows you to express unease while maintaining a neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it looked suspicious" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms or providing more specific details about what caused the suspicion. This will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looked suspicious" functions as a descriptive expression. It primarily serves to convey a subjective assessment or observation about something appearing doubtful or questionable. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looked suspicious" is a grammatically sound and usable way to express a subjective impression of something being doubtful or questionable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides relevant examples. While considered correct and usable in written English, "it looked suspicious" is deemed to be used uncommonly. It is versatile enough for use in both formal and informal settings, primarily appearing in News & Media and academic contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful to provide specific details to clarify the source of your suspicion and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it aroused suspicion

More formal and direct, highlighting the act of causing suspicion.

it appeared dubious

Replaces "looked suspicious" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a stronger sense of doubt.

it seemed questionable

Similar to "appeared dubious" but slightly less formal, implying uncertainty or doubt.

it suggested something was amiss

A formal way to convey that something was wrong or out of place.

it raised red flags

An idiomatic expression indicating that something triggered suspicion or concern.

it struck me as odd

Indicates a personal sense of something being strange or unusual.

it was cause for concern

Highlights that something warranted attention or worry.

it gave off a bad vibe

Uses more informal language to describe a negative or unsettling impression.

it felt off

A more subtle way of expressing that something didn't seem right or normal.

it seemed fishy

An informal way of saying something seemed dishonest or untrustworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "it looked suspicious" in a sentence?

Use "it looked suspicious" to describe a situation, object, or behavior that raised doubt or concern. For example, "The package had no return address, and "it looked suspicious"."

What are some alternatives to "it looked suspicious"?

You can use alternatives like "it seemed questionable", "it appeared dubious", or "it raised red flags" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it looked suspicious"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something gave an impression of being untrustworthy, dangerous, or illegal, but without stating it as a fact. It's useful when describing your subjective perception.

What is the difference between "it looked suspicious" and "it was suspicious"?

"It looked suspicious" indicates an appearance or impression of something being wrong, while "it was suspicious" suggests a confirmed or more certain state of being. The former is less definitive.