seems suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or concern about the legitimacy or trustworthiness of something or someone. Example: "The sudden change in his story seems suspicious, and I think we should investigate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Today the novel, like Gatsby himself, seems suspicious.

The New Yorker

He seems suspicious of celebrity and drawn to it.

The New York Times - Sports

He seems suspicious of anyone who proclaims journalism a calling.

The New Yorker

In a time like this, everything suddenly seems suspicious.

The New Yorker

Moab, Utah, also seems suspicious of a new boom.

The Economist

More broadly, he seems suspicious of China's version of capitalism.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She seemed suspicious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Zimmerman called 911, claiming Martin seemed suspicious.

Independent

She seemed suspicious, almost angry.

The New York Times - Health

Porto's behaviour had already seemed suspicious.

The Guardian

They seemed suspicious of his friendly greeting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems suspicious", consider the context and audience. In formal writing, opt for more precise language like "appears doubtful" or "raises concerns".

Common error

Avoid using "seems suspicious" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your language with stronger, more descriptive alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems suspicious" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a perception of doubt or mistrust. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing events, behaviors, or situations that raise concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seems suspicious" is a common and generally acceptable way to express a feeling of doubt or mistrust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required in your writing. For more formal settings, alternatives like "appears doubtful" or "raises concerns" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse and vary your language to maintain clarity and impact. Ultimately, "seems suspicious" is a valuable tool for signaling potential irregularities and prompting further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looks questionable

Uses a different verb and adjective to convey a sense of dubiousness.

arouses suspicion

Uses a verb to directly express the act of creating suspicion.

appears doubtful

Changes the verb and adjective to express a similar sentiment of uncertainty.

raises doubts

Employs a verb phrase to indicate the creation of uncertainty.

prompts skepticism

Highlights the generation of doubt or disbelief.

gives cause for concern

Indicates that something provokes worry or apprehension.

is open to doubt

Indicates the possibility of uncertainty surrounding something.

suggests foul play

Implies that illegal or dishonest activity may be involved.

smells fishy

An informal idiom expressing that something seems dishonest or deceitful.

rings alarm bells

An idiom indicating that something causes a feeling of alert or worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems suspicious" to express doubt or concern about something. For example, "The timing of his resignation "seems suspicious", and we should investigate further."

What are some alternatives to "seems suspicious"?

Alternatives include "appears doubtful", "looks questionable", or "raises doubts". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "seems suspicious" or "appears suspicious"?

Both "seems suspicious" and "appears suspicious" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you want to achieve.

What does it mean when something "seems suspicious"?

When something ""seems suspicious"", it suggests that there are reasons to doubt its legitimacy, honesty, or trustworthiness. It implies a need for further investigation or caution.