suspected of being

USAGE SUMMARY

'suspected of being' is a valid phrase in English and can be used in both spoken and written language.
For example: "The suspect was suspected of being involved in the theft of the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Those suspected of being fakes are warned.

The New York Times - Tech

The Iranians are suspected of being spies.

The New York Times

"They are suspected of being involved.

The New York Times

Anyone could be suspected of being a spy," he explains.

The Guardian - Travel

The boy is suspected of being a sorcerer.

The New York Times - Books

Silcott is suspected of being a ringleader of the riot.

The Guardian

But she has been suspected of being a male before.

The New York Times

One is suspected of being associated with the coeliac response.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both men were suspected of being mob racketeers.

The New York Times

He is suspected of being a member of Isis.

The Guardian

Al-Qaeda is suspected of being behind the attack.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspected of being", ensure that the context clearly indicates the basis for the suspicion and avoids making definitive accusations without evidence. This maintains fairness and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to use "suspected of being" as a substitute for legally precise terms like "accused" or "charged" in formal legal documents. Misusing the phrase can lead to ambiguity or misrepresentation of someone's legal status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspected of being" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject is believed to have a certain characteristic or involvement, often implying uncertainty or a lack of conclusive evidence. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspected of being" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or suspicion, commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI indicated, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It's essential to use this phrase carefully, ensuring the context warrants the implication of suspicion without making unfounded accusations. Alternatives like "believed to be" or "thought to be" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Proper use maintains accuracy and fairness in writing, particularly in sensitive or legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believed to be

Emphasizes belief rather than suspicion, implying a degree of acceptance or likelihood.

thought to be

Indicates a general opinion or consideration, often lacking strong evidence.

alleged to be

Specifically denotes a claim that is yet to be proven, commonly used in legal contexts.

reputed to be

Suggests something is known or believed by many, but without confirmation.

considered to be

Highlights a formal or deliberate judgment about someone or something.

understood to be

Implies a tacit agreement or shared knowledge about a certain condition or state.

presumed to be

Indicates an assumption made based on limited evidence or logical inference.

hinted at being

Implies an indirect suggestion or veiled indication of something.

rumored to be

Indicates that the information is circulating as gossip but lacks any official backing.

speculated to be

Highlights that the information is based on conjecture or guesswork, rather than concrete facts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "suspected of being" in a sentence?

The phrase "suspected of being" is used to indicate that someone or something is believed to be a certain thing, often with an implication of wrongdoing. For example, "He was "suspected of being" a spy" suggests that there is some evidence or reason to believe he is a spy, but it is not yet proven.

What are some alternatives to "suspected of being"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "believed to be", "thought to be", or "alleged to be" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the level of certainty and the specific nuance you want to express.

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

Yes, "suspected of being" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and official documents where it's necessary to convey suspicion without making a definitive claim. The formality largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between ""suspected of being"" and "accused of being"?

"Suspected of being" implies a belief or hunch based on some evidence, but without formal charges. "Accused of being", on the other hand, indicates that someone has been formally charged with something, usually in a legal context. The latter carries more weight and legal implication.