suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'suspect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something which is thought to be guilty or likely to be responsible for something, or to describe something that arouses suspicion or doubt. For example: "The police are questioning a suspect in connection with the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The idea Blatter could reform Fifa is suspect.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, many investors suspect he would seek to end those purchases more quickly than Ms. Yellen.

The New York Times

The Sierra Leone ministry of health refused to share data in the early outbreak and instructed the WHO to report only lab-confirmed deaths, thereby excluding the "probable" and "suspect" cases that could not be tested because of the lack of testing facilities.

The Guardian

Thanks to the IRS Whistleblower Office, they can report anyone they suspect of cheating on their taxes to the IRS.

The Guardian - Money

But for all we (and Uefa) might suspect it was an Albanian flying it, without proof it is surely difficult to censure them for it.

The Guardian - Sport

I understand that regulators in the US have told the Bank of England our mega banks are not wanted there; I suspect Asia feels the same way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Firstly, because a great many first-time sufferers might not suspect that relief can come from books as well as boxes of pills.

The Guardian

I suspect most on the left, if asked for "ultimate evils", would opt for, say, genocide, war or murder.

The Guardian - Opinion

I suspect it doesn't mean anything particularly original to me: I simply think of it as the separation of church es) from the ambit of the state – which is why I consider it a desideratum.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm relieved everything is so hunky dory in the health service that he can spare the time to kvetch about what Vicky Pryce puts on her stationery but I suspect the "vast majority of the public" are more scandalised by dodgy hospital death rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Photograph: Caetano Barreira/Fotoarena/Corbis Updated at 11.34pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.29pm BST23 29 ET28: Slimani, who I suspect I may have wrongly subbed off earlier, is put through on goal with another pass in behind the German defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey a nuanced level of uncertainty, carefully consider the specific context and choose more precise language that reflects the degree of doubt or evidence you have.

Common error

Avoid using "suspect" when you have concrete evidence of guilt. "Suspect" implies a belief without proof, so use terms like "culprit" or "perpetrator" when guilt is established.

Linguistic Context

The word "suspect" functions primarily as a verb, meaning to imagine or suppose something, or as a noun, referring to a person believed to be guilty of a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in both senses. The examples provided demonstrate its versatility in expressing doubt or identifying a potential wrongdoer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "suspect" is versatile, functioning as both a verb and a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It expresses uncertainty or provisional belief, particularly in News & Media, where it's used to report crime and express doubts. While it's a very common term, avoid using it when definitive proof exists; instead, opt for terms like "culprit". When precision is key, alternative expressions such as "have reason to believe" or "view with skepticism" may offer a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt

This alternative is a general term for uncertainty, encompassing suspicion as a specific form of doubt.

distrust

This alternative focuses on a lack of trust, which is a direct component of suspicion.

believe to be guilty

This alternative highlights the perceived guilt of the subject, often used in legal or investigative contexts.

have reason to believe

This alternative suggests a basis for suspicion, often implying more evidence than a simple "suspect".

view with skepticism

This suggests a critical and questioning attitude, often applied to claims or proposals.

harbor suspicions about

This phrase emphasizes the internal state of holding suspicions, making it more personal.

have reservations about

This indicates a milder form of doubt or hesitation, often used in formal contexts.

question the integrity of

This phrase specifically targets the honesty or reliability of someone or something, implying a deeper level of scrutiny.

feel uneasy about

This expresses a sense of discomfort or apprehension, suggesting a subjective feeling rather than concrete evidence.

smell a rat

This is an idiomatic expression indicating a strong sense of suspicion, often implying deception or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "suspect" in a sentence?

You can use "suspect" as a verb to mean 'to imagine or suppose', as in "I "suspect" it will rain later", or as a noun to refer to a person suspected of a crime, as in "The police arrested the "suspect"".

What can I say instead of "I suspect"?

You can use alternatives like "I believe", "I imagine", or "I "have reason to believe" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "suspect" or "suspected"?

"Suspect" is used to indicate the person or thing being suspected (noun), while "suspected" is the past tense or past participle form of the verb, as in "the "suspect" was suspected of the crime".

What's the difference between "suspect" and "suspicious"?

"Suspect" is a noun or a verb referring to someone or something believed to be involved in wrongdoing. "Suspicious" is an adjective describing something that arouses doubt or "suspect", as in "that looks suspicious".