it seems suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems suspect" is a correct and proper use of the English language.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something appears to be questionable or dubious. For example, "He claims he found the money on the street but it seems suspect to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, it seems suspect that this spot, which plays off of the recent debate around transgender people's ability to access our correct bathrooms, would appear a mere month after Proctor and Gamble (P&G) refused to step up on behalf of transgender people on this issue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most trial watchers, it seemed, suspected that Ms. Anthony was responsible for her daughter's death.

The New York Times

Even the outside world seems suspect here: the leafy college town, the restaurant with its classical music.

The New Yorker

At a glance, then, Gott's study seems suspect.

The Guardian - Opinion

The appeal to unarticulated constituents seems suspect.

SEP

The method they use seems suspect, though; they really should be using a more high-speed camera than a Zi6.

TechCrunch

The idea of a bounded community seems suspect given recent shifts in the spatio-temporal contours of human life.

SEP

This claim also seems suspect.

Huffington Post

The entire relationship seems suspect to me.

Vice

Bashing the so-called bureaucratic tyranny of Brussels also seems suspect.

Huffington Post

A "proven" Engadget tipster also says that the launch date seems suspect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems suspect" when you want to express a mild form of doubt or uncertainty about something, without making a strong accusation. It suggests something is not quite right, but further investigation may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems suspect" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less authoritative than alternatives like "it is questionable" or "it warrants further investigation". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems suspect" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a perceived lack of credibility or trustworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. This suggests a preliminary assessment that something may be wrong, as evident in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems suspect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for conveying doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its primary function is to indicate that something appears questionable, warranting further scrutiny. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate alternative for formal writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, with science and wiki articles also demonstrating usage. While it is generally deemed correct, it's crucial to wield it thoughtfully, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears doubtful

Replaces "seems suspect" with a more formal synonym for doubt.

it looks questionable

Emphasizes the visual aspect of suspicion, focusing on how something appears.

it raises concerns

Shifts the focus to the concerns or worries that the situation provokes.

it is open to doubt

Highlights the uncertainty and possibility of error or deception.

it gives rise to suspicion

Focuses on the feeling of mistrust that arises from the situation.

it feels fishy

Uses a more informal and colloquial term to express unease.

it doesn't quite add up

Implies that there are inconsistencies or logical flaws.

it smacks of dishonesty

Suggests that there's a deliberate attempt to deceive.

it rings hollow

Indicates a lack of sincerity or authenticity.

it's a bit dubious

Uses a slightly more subtle and understated term for suspicion.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems suspect" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems suspect" to express that something appears doubtful or questionable. For example, "His explanation for the missing money "it seems suspect" to me."

What are some alternatives to "it seems suspect"?

Alternatives include "it appears doubtful", "it looks questionable", or "it raises concerns" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems suspect" formal or informal?

"It seems suspect" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. For very formal writing, consider alternatives that sound more authoritative.

What's the difference between "it seems suspect" and "it is suspicious"?

"It seems suspect" implies a milder degree of doubt or uncertainty compared to "it is suspicious". "It is suspicious" suggests a stronger belief that something is wrong or dishonest.