suspect that

USAGE SUMMARY

"suspect that" is a common phrase used in written English, particularly when there is a possibility or suggestion of something occurring.
For example, "I suspect that the new project has encountered some delays".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I suspect that would happen.

The New York Times

Some critics suspect that is the point.

The New York Times

Why do I suspect that?

The New Yorker

I suspect that will continue.

The New York Times - Tech

"I suspect that will continue," he said.

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that is the case.

The New York Times

I suspect that means yes too.

The Guardian

I suspect that is also temperature-related".

The New York Times - Science

I suspect that means comprehensive insurance.

The Guardian

But I suspect that won't last.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I now suspect that it is cancer.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suspect that" to express a belief or opinion based on limited evidence. It's suitable when you have a reason to think something might be true, but you're not entirely sure.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "suspect that" in formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "believe", "hypothesize", or "conclude" to convey greater certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspect that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates the speaker's or writer's belief or opinion, which is based on limited evidence or a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common phrase used when there is a possibility or suggestion of something occurring.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suspect that" is a versatile expression used to convey an opinion or belief with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is commonly employed when suggesting a possibility based on limited evidence. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, "suspect that" maintains a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing contexts. Related phrases, such as "believe that" or "hypothesize that", can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is my suspicion that

This alternative adds emphasis and formality by explicitly stating that the suspicion belongs to the speaker.

think that

This option provides a simpler and more general way to express an opinion or belief without necessarily implying suspicion.

believe that

This alternative uses a more direct term for holding an opinion, indicating a stronger degree of certainty compared to "suspect that".

assume that

This phrase implies taking something for granted without concrete proof, which is a stronger assumption than "suspect that".

surmise that

This option indicates inferring something based on incomplete or indirect evidence, similar to suspecting but slightly more formal.

conjecture that

This phrase suggests forming an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence, emphasizing speculation.

hypothesize that

This alternative suggests a more formal and often scientific conjecture, suitable for academic or research contexts.

it is likely that

This phrase expresses a probability or expectation without necessarily implying doubt or suspicion.

imagine that

This alternative conveys a sense of envisioning or speculating about something, often with less basis in evidence.

I have a feeling that

This alternative conveys a more intuitive or emotional sense of anticipation rather than a reasoned suspicion.

FAQs

How can I use "suspect that" in a sentence?

You can use "suspect that" to introduce a belief or opinion based on incomplete evidence. For example, "I "suspect that" the meeting will be delayed" indicates uncertainty about the meeting's schedule.

What's a more formal alternative to "suspect that"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "hypothesize that", "surmise that", or "conjecture that" to convey a similar meaning with a more academic tone.

Is there a difference between "suspect that" and "believe that"?

"Suspect that" implies a degree of uncertainty or doubt, often based on limited evidence. "Believe that" suggests a stronger conviction or acceptance of something as true.

When is it appropriate to use "suspect that" in writing?

Use "suspect that" when you have a reason to believe something might be true, but you lack sufficient evidence to be certain. It's suitable for expressing educated guesses or informed opinions.