suspicious about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious about" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe feeling or ideas of doubt or mistrust. For example: "I am suspicious about his motives for wanting to go on the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Police say there was nothing "suspicious" about her death.

Huffington Post

If something seems suspicious about the seller, move on.

WikiHow

Some people were suspicious about the "hidden purposes" of the ICC.

BMC Women's Health

What's suspicious about it?

The New York Times

I'm suspicious about her death.

Independent

I'm suspicious about photography.

The Guardian

He was never suspicious about the bag?

The New York Times - Magazine

I was suspicious about the whole thing.

Independent

Something was suspicious about us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nothing to be suspicious about.

The New York Times - Style

"This is a conservative community, suspicious about taxes, suspicious about a lot of things -- suspicious about developers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspicious about", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the suspicion to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the person, object, or situation that raises doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "suspicious about" without providing specific reasons for the suspicion. Vague statements can weaken your argument and leave the reader confused. Instead of saying "I'm suspicious about the project", clarify: "I'm suspicious about the project's funding sources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious about" functions primarily as a predicate adjective followed by a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is a correct and usable part of written English. The adjective "suspicious" describes the state of being doubtful or mistrustful, and the preposition "about" connects this feeling to a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspicious about" is a commonly used phrase expressing doubt or mistrust toward something specific. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It functions as a predicate adjective with a preposition, serving to communicate skepticism or unease. While adaptable to various registers, it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object of suspicion and avoid vague generalizations. Consider alternatives like "skeptical of" or "wary of" to fine-tune your message. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical of

Replaces "suspicious" with "skeptical", indicating a questioning attitude.

wary of

Uses "wary" to convey caution and mistrust, simplifying the phrase.

distrustful of

Emphasizes the lack of trust, replacing "suspicious" with "distrustful".

dubious about

Uses "dubious" to express uncertainty or doubt.

doubtful regarding

Replaces "suspicious" with "doubtful" and "about" with "regarding", focusing on uncertainty.

apprehensive about

Conveys anxiety or fear about something, similar to suspicion but with added emotion.

incredulous regarding

Indicates disbelief, a stronger form of suspicion.

questioning the validity of

More formal, explicitly states the act of questioning the truth or legitimacy.

hesitant concerning

Expresses reluctance or unwillingness, linked to underlying suspicion.

uneasy with

Highlights discomfort or anxiety related to suspicion.

FAQs

How can I use "suspicious about" in a sentence?

You can use "suspicious about" to express doubt or mistrust regarding something. For example: "She was "suspicious about" his sudden change in behavior".

What are some alternatives to saying "suspicious about"?

Alternatives include "skeptical of", "wary of", or "doubtful regarding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "suspicious of" or "suspicious about"?

Both "suspicious of" and "suspicious about" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Suspicious of" might imply a more general distrust, while "suspicious about" can refer to a specific concern.

What does it mean to be "suspicious about" something?

To be "suspicious about" something means to have doubts or a lack of trust regarding it. It implies a feeling that something may be wrong, dishonest, or not as it appears.