suspected to be

USAGE SUMMARY

'suspected to be' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are speculating about something based on evidence or clues that you have. For example, "The thief is suspected to be a member of a local gang."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many are suspected to be worthless.

The Economist

Diesel exhaust has been suspected to be a lung carcinogen.

Harvard University

This is something I've always suspected to be true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Belak's death this summer was suspected to be a suicide.

The New York Times

Uncertainty in site characterization studies is suspected to be a cause of this problem.

Geoderma

The mass was removed and was suspected to be a sinus cyst.

Cornell University

Observe cattle frequently if pasture is suspected to be high in nitrates.

Cornell University

This is suspected to be the cause of low quality coffee beans encountered by traders.

Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia

Almost all loci lie in genomic regions not previously suspected to be involved in cancer.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

This branching is suspected to be a result of both intermolecular and intramolecular transfer reactions.

Analytica Chimica Acta

Iron is suspected to be involved in the induction and/or progression of various human tumors.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspected to be", ensure the context clearly indicates who suspects it. This can be done by attributing the suspicion to a specific person, group, or field of study. This adds credibility and transparency to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting information as definitive when using "suspected to be". This phrase indicates uncertainty, so be careful not to phrase your sentences in a way that implies certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspected to be" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, used to express speculation or a tentative belief about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing uncertainty, evidenced by numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspected to be" is a versatile phrase used to express an educated guess or tentative belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely employed across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academia. It is important to note it signals uncertainty. While alternatives like ""believed to be"" or ""presumed to be"" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey reasoned speculation based on available information. It is advisable to provide context about the source of the suspicion and avoid using it to present tentative information as definitive fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleged to be

Implies a formal accusation or claim that is yet to be proven.

expected to be

Suggests a higher degree of confidence based on prediction or anticipation.

presumed to be

Indicates an assumption made based on probability or likelihood.

believed to be

Conveys a sense of general acceptance or common opinion.

thought to be

Implies a personal opinion or consideration.

hypothesized to be

Indicates a formal proposition or educated guess put forward for scientific inquiry.

speculated to be

Highlights the act of making conjectures or forming theories without firm evidence.

rumored to be

Indicates that the information is circulating as an unverified story or report.

understood to be

Suggests a mutual comprehension or shared knowledge about a particular fact.

considered to be

Indicates a formal evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "suspected to be" in a sentence?

You can use "suspected to be" to express that something is believed to be true based on available evidence, but not yet proven. For example, "The cause of the illness is "suspected to be" a new virus".

What are some alternatives to "suspected to be"?

Alternatives include "believed to be", "thought to be", or "presumed to be", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "suspected of being" or "suspected to be"?

"Suspected to be" is generally preferred when referring to a state or condition. "Suspected of being" is more commonly used when referring to an action or crime. For example, "He is suspected to be ill" vs. "He is suspected of being involved in the crime".

What is the difference between "suspected to be" and "alleged to be"?

"Suspected to be" indicates a belief based on some evidence, while "alleged to be" implies a formal accusation that has not been proven. The latter is often used in legal contexts.