it was suspected

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was suspected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was believed or thought to be true, though not confirmed. For example: "It was suspected that he was involved in the robbery, but he was never convicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its discovery was reported in June 2011, although it was suspected to be a planet as early as 2004.

Wikipedia

It was suspected that it might be Legionaire's Disease.

The New Yorker

Much of the product, it was suspected, went to Iran.

The Guardian - Business

Therefore, it was suspected that MA might induce renal dysfunction with renal tubule damage.

Legal Medicine

In 1976, the agency banned Red No. 2 because it was suspected to be carcinogenic.

The New York Times - Health

It was suspected to be the work of right-wing Jewish extremists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since then, residual risk has decreased dramatically and it was suspected that recommendations might sometimes be ignored.

Transfusion Clinique et Biologique

In fact, it was suspected that cyclic loads applied by demanding patients could lead to fixation failure.

Clinical Biomechanics

It was suspected that Russian FSB (security service) officers had masterminded the snatch.

The Guardian

In the former case, it was suspected that the sizing in the paper substrate degraded and, as a consequence, that volatile hydrocarbons evaporated from the surface.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It was suspected that this result may serve as a reference solution for more complex microstructures by subjecting it to orientation averaging.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was suspected", consider adding a 'that' clause to specify what was suspected, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing. For instance, 'It was suspected that the high TD temperature at 320°C caused thermal decomposition of these two compounds.'

Common error

While "it was suspected" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. In situations where the actor is known and relevant, consider using active voice for a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of 'It was suspected that a bomb had been planted', you could write 'Investigators suspected that someone had planted a bomb'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was suspected" functions as a passive construction used to express that a particular idea, fact, or event was believed to be true or likely, often in the absence of concrete evidence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was suspected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a belief or assumption that something might be true without definitive proof. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its usage is particularly common in scientific and news-related reporting. While it is an effective way to communicate uncertainty, remember to avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity in your writing. Consider using synonyms like "it was presumed" or "it was believed" for semantic variety. By understanding these nuances, you can use "it was suspected" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was presumed

This suggests a stronger level of assumption, often based on probability or likelihood.

it was believed

Indicates a general acceptance or conviction about something.

it was thought

Implies a consideration or opinion held by someone.

it was anticipated

Focuses on expecting something to happen in the future.

it was alleged

Suggests a claim made without definitive proof.

it was rumored

Implies the information is circulating informally and may not be reliable.

it was speculated

Indicates conjecture or forming a theory without firm evidence.

it was hypothesized

Suggests a formal proposition made as a basis for reasoning.

the assumption was

Highlights the underlying assumption being made.

the prevailing theory held

Emphasizes the acceptance of a particular theory or explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was suspected" in a sentence?

You can use "it was suspected" to introduce a belief or assumption that something might be true, often without concrete evidence. For instance, "It was suspected that the fire was caused by arson".

What are some alternatives to "it was suspected"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was presumed", "it was believed", or "it was thought", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was suspected" formal or informal?

"It was suspected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile. However, consider the surrounding language and audience to ensure consistency in tone.

What's the difference between "it was suspected" and "it was proven"?

"It was suspected" indicates an unconfirmed belief, while "it was proven" means something has been definitively established as true through evidence.