suspected of

USAGE SUMMARY

"suspected of" is correct and used in written English.
You use it when referring to someone who is thought to have possibly committed an illegal act or done something wrong. For example: "The suspect was arrested after being suspected of breaking and entering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Sudanese government was suspected of complicity.

The Economist

"They're all suspected of heinous crimes".

The New York Times

Those suspected of being fakes are warned.

The New York Times - Tech

Suspected of wanting to be king.

The New Yorker

The police are frequently suspected of complicity.

The Economist

The Iranians are suspected of being spies.

The New York Times

leaders suspected of planning the Munich affair.

The New Yorker

He was also suspected of using drugs.

The New York Times

You are suspected of harboring Fascist tendencies.

The New Yorker

He is suspected of forgery.

The New York Times

Thousands more are suspected of such behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspected of", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the suspicion to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation. For example, "He was suspected of embezzlement" is clearer than "He was suspected."

Common error

Avoid presenting someone "suspected of" a crime as definitively guilty. Maintain a neutral tone and acknowledge the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. Do not use "suspected of" when there is clear evidence; use terms like "confirmed" or "convicted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspected of" functions as a linking phrase connecting a subject with a potential action or state. It implies an unconfirmed belief or conjecture. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, indicating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suspected of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey that someone is believed to have done something, often negative, without concrete proof. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and academic contexts. It's crucial to maintain a neutral tone when using this phrase, avoiding implications of guilt. Alternatives like "believed to be" or "alleged to have" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember, clarity and context are key to effective communication when using "suspected of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under suspicion for

Directly states that someone is being suspected, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the suspicion.

considered a suspect in

Directly labels someone as a suspect in a particular matter, similar to being suspected but more explicit.

alleged to have

Formally indicates that someone is accused of something but not yet proven, similar to suspicion but often in legal contexts.

investigated for

Denotes a formal inquiry into someone's actions or involvement, suggesting a serious level of suspicion.

believed to be

Indicates a general belief or assumption about someone's involvement in something, but is less explicitly linked to wrongdoing than "suspected of".

implicated in

Suggests involvement in a negative situation or event, often implying a degree of guilt or responsibility.

thought to be

Similar to 'believed to be', but can also denote an informal assessment or opinion, reducing the implication of a formal suspicion.

reputed to be

Suggests that someone is known for something, which may be negative, based on general opinion or reputation, but without proof.

linked to

Connects someone or something to a particular event or activity, implying a relationship that could be causal or associative.

questioned about

Indicates that someone is being asked about something, suggesting possible suspicion or involvement.

FAQs

How is "suspected of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "suspected of" is used to indicate that someone is believed to have committed an action, often a crime or wrongdoing, but without definitive proof. For example, "The individual was "suspected of fraud"."

What are some alternatives to "suspected of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "believed to be", "alleged to have", or "under investigation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "suspected of" and "accused of"?

"Suspected of" implies a belief or hunch without concrete evidence, while "accused of" suggests a formal charge or accusation has been made. Someone "suspected of" a crime may not have been formally accused yet.

Is it appropriate to use "suspected of" in formal writing?

Yes, "suspected of" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news reports, legal documents, and academic papers. However, it's crucial to maintain a neutral tone and avoid implying guilt.