it seems suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the feeling that something is suspicious or dubious. For example, "The woman was acting strangely, so I thought it seemed suspicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It seems suspicious of modern communications because of New Labour's addiction to "spin".

Independent

Trailing Echo wherever she goes is a handler, Boyd Langton Harry Lennixx), a former police officer whom we don't know much about and who is so concerned about Echo's welfare that, in this context, it seems suspicious.

The New Yorker

While no one wants a face filled with dust, it seems suspicious that the Parks Department has already decided what crowds qualify for a mass event on the Great Lawn.

The New York Times

"To us it seems suspicious that a month before you're opening for the bank to do this," Mr. Freed said in an interview in the former Carson Pirie Scott department store on State Street, which he is redeveloping.

The New York Times

But it seems suspicious, too.

Huffington Post

It seems suspicious that a dedicated educator like Natasha would be asked not to return shortly after our vote to determine whether we should have a union.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"It seemed suspicious because they weren't saying anything".

The New York Times - Arts

He was alone, and it seemed suspicious, and of course we were in France, so you never know what kind of situation you might get into there".

The New York Times - Sports

For instance, Mr. Ginsberg said, it seemed suspicious to him that neither the groups, nor the Kerry campaign were running advertisements in Miami or Pensacola, Fla., in mid-March, while all of them were running spots in Little Rock, Ark., where, for at least one weeklong period earlier this month, they outspent Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

But back then, if anyone noticed, there was no history of lunatic bombings like his to make it seem suspicious.

Huffington Post

So they had to ask everyone they saw, 'Are you wearing it in support or opposition?' If it seemed suspicious, they would rip it off".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems suspicious", ensure the context clearly explains what specifically is causing the suspicion. Providing details strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems suspicious" without providing any supporting evidence or context. This can weaken your argument and make you appear biased rather than objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems suspicious" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of a situation or event. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing doubt regarding various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

24%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems suspicious" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for conveying doubt or uncertainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While generally neutral in tone, its appropriateness can vary depending on the context, with more formal alternatives available for professional or academic settings. Primarily used in news and media, and Wiki sources, it serves to express a subjective evaluation of a situation, inviting consideration of possible hidden motives. When employing this phrase, providing specific details that prompt the suspicion enhances its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems dubious

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal than "it seems suspicious".

it appears questionable

Emphasizes the appearance of something being dubious, focusing on outward perception.

it looks suspect

Focuses on visual cues that suggest something is not trustworthy.

it raises doubts

Highlights the action of instilling doubt, rather than a state of suspicion.

it gives cause for concern

Indicates that the situation warrants attention and potential worry.

it feels fishy

A more informal way to express suspicion, suggesting something is not quite right.

it smells fishy

Similar to "it feels fishy", using the metaphor of a bad smell to suggest untrustworthiness.

it suggests foul play

Implies a more serious concern of wrongdoing or illegal activity.

it smacks of deceit

Strongly suggests that there is deception or dishonesty involved.

it rings alarm bells

Indicates that something is triggering a sense of warning or caution.

FAQs

What does "it seems suspicious" mean?

The phrase "it seems suspicious" indicates that something appears doubtful, questionable, or untrustworthy based on available information or observations.

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

You can use "it seems suspicious" to express your feeling that something is not right or that there's something questionable about a situation. For instance, "His explanation for the missing money "it seems suspicious", given his gambling habits."

What are some alternatives to "it seems suspicious"?

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

Is "it seems suspicious" formal or informal?

"It seems suspicious" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing.