suspect about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspect about" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.
It is generally not used in standard English; instead, "suspect of" is the correct form when indicating suspicion regarding someone's actions or character. Example: "She was suspect of cheating on the exam."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't mean there's anything suspect about them.

The New Yorker

Gosling subtly suggests something indefinably suspect about his character.

The Guardian - Film

But there is something also suspect about the preponderance of beautiful blondes among Femen's sextremist activists.

The Guardian

Should she tell him what she was beginning to suspect about her cousin Dickie?

The New York Times - Magazine

None the less, I'll admit that some of the stuff you suspect about voiceover artists is true.

The Guardian

Historically, there's something suspect about a story told in this manner, the way it tugs the customer to the next ledge.

The New Yorker

I can't articulate it, but I think that's the point: to experience it and to have the minimal script make you feel suspect about your own language.

The New Yorker

Apparently there was something suspect about Holbein's precise study (paywall) of the great Renaissance humanist's right hand in the eyes of a Facebook regulator.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a battle within the Obama administration - and Obama's soul, I suspect - about whether to prosecute the Republican politicians responsible.

Huffington Post

There seems to be nothing suspect about her or the account.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush, at a news conference in the town of Clinton, said: "I suspect about everybody's made up their mind in South Carolina.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "suspect about" in formal writing. Instead, use phrases like "suspect of", "suspicious of", or "doubtful about" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

The most common error is using "about" instead of "of" after "suspect" or "suspicious". Remember to use "suspect of" when indicating suspicion of someone or something's involvement in an action or possessing a quality, and "suspicious of" when expressing a general feeling of mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspect about" functions as a verb followed by a preposition, but this construction is grammatically non-standard. Ludwig AI indicates it's not commonly used in written English and is generally incorrect. Typically, "suspect" is followed by "of" or directly by the object of suspicion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "suspect about" appears in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates it's not commonly used in standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. The correct alternatives include "suspect of" or "suspicious of", depending on the intended meaning. When writing, it's best to use grammatically sound phrases to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion. Because of this, stick to "suspect of" or "be suspicious of" for clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suspicious of

Uses a more common and grammatically sound phrasing to convey doubt or mistrust.

think suspiciously of

Implies considering someone or something with a sense of mistrust.

be skeptical regarding

Shows a general attitude of doubt or questioning towards something.

suspect something regarding

Replaces "about" with "regarding" to indicate suspicion concerning a specific thing.

have misgivings about

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the potential outcome of something.

have suspicions regarding

Emphasizes the possession of doubts relating to someone or something.

harbor reservations about

Indicates holding back some level of doubt or unease concerning something.

doubt the veracity of

Focuses on questioning the truthfulness or accuracy of something.

feel uneasy concerning

Expresses a sense of discomfort or anxiety related to something.

question the validity of

Highlights uncertainty about the legitimacy or correctness of something.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "suspect about"?

No, "suspect about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "suspect of" or "be suspicious of". For example, instead of "I suspect about his intentions", say "I "suspect his intentions"", "I suspect him of having bad intentions" or "I am suspicious of his intentions".

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

"Suspect of" is used when you believe someone has done something wrong. "Suspicious of" describes a general feeling of distrust or unease. For instance, "I suspect him of lying" versus "I am suspicious of his behavior".

What are some alternatives to "suspect about"?

Instead of "suspect about", you can use phrases like "suspect of", "suspicious of", "doubtful about", or simply rephrase the sentence to use "suspect" followed directly by the object of suspicion.

How can I avoid using "suspect about" in my writing?

Pay attention to the preposition that follows "suspect" or "suspicious". If you mean to express doubt or mistrust, use "suspicious of". If you believe someone is involved in something wrong, use "suspect of". When in doubt, rephrase the sentence for clarity and correctness.