starting to suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the beginning of a feeling or belief that something may be true, often in a context of doubt or uncertainty. Example: "After noticing the inconsistencies in his story, I am starting to suspect that he may not be telling the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are starting to suspect that they have been conned.

The Economist

I'm starting to suspect Danny Green won't win it.

The Guardian - Sport

Rebels are starting to suspect that the government's efforts are paying off.

The New York Times

I am starting to suspect nicknames hold more power than I previously imagined.

The New York Times

Dale, I'm starting to suspect, is not a very good feminist.

The Guardian - Film

Paige Jennings Holly Taylorr): Philip and Elizabeth's 14-year-old daughter is starting to suspect something.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

And they started to suspect He didn't exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

She starts to suspect that her colleagues have engaged in massive corruption to win contracts.

The Economist

After a while, you start to suspect that Ms. Falco doesn't know either.

The New York Times

But the husband started to suspect that she didn't love him anymore.

The New Yorker

Or so the reader starts to suspect when he kidnaps Krista.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "starting to suspect" with a 'that' clause outlining the specific suspicion.

Common error

Avoid using "starting to suspect" as a generic phrase. Always specify what the subject is suspecting to prevent vagueness and maintain clarity. For instance, instead of saying "I'm starting to suspect something", clarify with "I'm starting to suspect "he is lying"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to suspect" functions as an introductory verb phrase that precedes a clause expressing doubt or suspicion. It indicates the initial phase of forming a belief or feeling that something might be the case. Ludwig examples show it's often followed by a 'that' clause specifying the object of suspicion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting to suspect" is a versatile phrase used to express the commencement of doubt or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears very often across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When using "starting to suspect", it's best practice to clarify the object of suspicion to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "beginning to doubt" or "growing suspicious". Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for expressing a dawning sense of uncertainty in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing suspicious

Directly indicates an increase in distrust or doubt, similar in meaning, but placing more emphasis on the feeling of suspicion.

beginning to doubt

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of conviction, rather than the formation of a belief.

beginning to surmise

Emphasizes the initial stage of forming a belief based on limited evidence; implies a more intellectual process.

coming to believe

Highlights the gradual process of forming a belief, differing in emphasis from the initial doubt.

developing a hunch

Suggests a feeling based on intuition rather than concrete evidence; less formal than "suspect".

starting to wonder

Implies a state of curiosity and questioning, often less serious than suspicion.

getting the impression

Indicates a subjective feeling or understanding, often without explicit reasoning.

getting the idea

Suggests that a concept or understanding is beginning to dawn on someone, implying a grasp of information or a plan.

starting to feel

Focuses on an emotional response or intuition, rather than a reasoned suspicion.

forming the opinion

Emphasizes the development of a judgment or viewpoint, differing from suspecting something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "starting to suspect" in a sentence?

You can use "starting to suspect" to indicate the beginning of a feeling or belief that something might be true, often with a sense of uncertainty. For example: "After noticing several inconsistencies, I am starting to suspect "he is hiding something"".

What phrases are similar to "starting to suspect"?

Similar phrases include "beginning to doubt", "growing suspicious", or "coming to believe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "starting to suspect" formal or informal?

"Starting to suspect" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the surrounding language will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "starting to suspect" and "suspecting"?

"Starting to suspect" implies the beginning of a feeling or belief, whereas "suspecting" suggests a more established or certain level of doubt. "Starting to suspect" indicates an earlier stage of the process.