suspicion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"suspicion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something is suspected of being true, or that someone is suspected of having done something. For example, "The police are investigating a suspicion of fraud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"on suspicion of sexual offenses".

The New York Times

A nagging suspicion of Muslims.

The New York Times

This suspicion of political power is worrying.

The New Yorker

Suspicion of nuclear power became mass revulsion.

The Economist

Suspicion of Christian missionaries is ingrained.

The Economist

She expressed suspicion of both sides.

The New York Times

But the suspicion of racial prejudice lingers.

Independent

They have deep suspicion of writers.

The New York Times

But what stifles the suspicion of adults?

The New York Times

His suspicion of authority is reflexive.

The New York Times

Take the suspicion of change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suspicion of" when indicating a belief or feeling that someone or something may be involved in wrongdoing or may be untrustworthy. Ensure the context clearly identifies what is being suspected.

Common error

Avoid using "suspicion of" interchangeably with phrases like "belief in" or "faith in", which convey trust rather than doubt. "Suspicion of" implies a negative judgment or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicion of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates a state of distrust or a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspicion of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that conveys a feeling of doubt, mistrust, or apprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. While alternatives like "distrust of" or "skepticism toward" exist, "suspicion of" distinctly implies a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the object or subject of the suspicion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distrust of

Emphasizes a stronger sense of doubt and lack of trust.

mistrust of

Similar to "distrust of", but can imply a feeling of unease or apprehension.

skepticism toward

Highlights a questioning attitude and a lack of certainty.

doubt about

Focuses on uncertainty and a lack of conviction.

unease regarding

Suggests a feeling of discomfort or anxiety about something.

apprehension about

Emphasizes a sense of worry or fear about something that might happen.

wariness of

Implies caution and a reluctance to fully trust.

cynicism toward

Highlights a negative and pessimistic view.

reservation about

Expresses a feeling of doubt or hesitation.

concern regarding

Focuses on worry and a sense of responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "suspicion of" in a sentence?

You can use "suspicion of" to indicate a feeling that someone has done something wrong or that something is not as it seems. For example, "The police arrested him on "suspicion of theft"".

What are some alternatives to "suspicion of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "distrust of", "mistrust of", or "skepticism toward", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "suspicious about" instead of "suspicion of"?

While "suspicious about" is grammatically correct, it refers to a feeling. "Suspicion of" typically refers to the basis or object of that feeling. For example, you might be "suspicious about his motives" but have a "suspicion of fraud".

What's the difference between "suspicion of" and "doubt about"?

"Suspicion of" implies a specific, often negative, belief or feeling about someone or something. "Doubt about" refers to a general uncertainty or lack of conviction.