suspicious activities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious activities" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to activities that could be indicative of criminal or unethical behavior. For example, "The police were monitoring the neighborhood for any suspicious activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What proportion of the "suspicious" activities uncovered are actually useful?

The New York Times

I asked him if there had been any suspicious activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Lehigh University police said no suspicious activities were involved.

The New York Times - Sports

One spy told the United States consul in Bermuda about Dr. Blackburn's suspicious activities.

The New York Times - Health

Commander McPherson asked that anyone observing "suspicious activities" call [phone].

The New York Times

The reporting of suspicious activities extends to commodities traders and brokers.

The New York Times

The Bush administration has called upon Americans to report the suspicious activities of their neighbors.

The New York Times

Indicators of click fraud include suspicious activities from an Internet Protocol (I.P).

The New York Times

Sensors installed around the city detect pedestrian traffic and suspicious activities.

The Guardian - Tech

Regulators fined Riggs $25 million in May for failing to monitor suspicious activities in its accounts.

The New York Times

They are told to notify the authorities when suspicious activities occur.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, avoid using colloquial synonyms for "suspicious activities", such as "fishy business" or "dodgy behavior". Maintain a professional tone by using precise and objective language.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice when describing "suspicious activities". Instead of saying "Suspicious activities were observed," use the active voice: "We observed suspicious activities." This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious activities" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly refers to activities indicative of criminal or unethical behavior. For instance, it is mentioned in the examples to report criminal actions or activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suspicious activities" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe actions that suggest potential wrongdoing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to alert others to potential threats, prompting investigation or intervention. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details and avoid passive voice. Alternatives such as "unusual activities" or "questionable activities" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual activities

Focuses on the deviation from the norm rather than inherent suspicion.

questionable activities

Emphasizes doubt and uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the actions.

dubious activities

Highlights the uncertainty and potential dishonesty associated with the actions.

irregular activities

Stresses the non-conformity of the actions to established rules or patterns.

fishy activities

An informal way to describe activities that seem untrustworthy or deceitful.

dodgy activities

A colloquial term suggesting potential illegality or unreliability.

illicit actions

Refers directly to activities that are illegal or forbidden.

shady dealings

Implies secretive and potentially dishonest transactions.

nefarious acts

Emphasizes the wickedness and evil intent behind the actions.

criminal behavior

Specifically denotes actions that violate the law.

FAQs

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

You can use "suspicious activities" to describe actions that suggest potential wrongdoing. For example, "The security guard reported "suspicious activities" near the loading dock".

What are some alternatives to "suspicious activities"?

Alternatives include "unusual activities", "questionable activities", or "dubious activities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I report "suspicious activities"?

Report "suspicious activities" whenever you observe behavior that seems out of place, potentially illegal, or poses a threat to safety or security. Err on the side of caution and let the authorities investigate.

What is the difference between "suspicious activities" and "criminal activities"?

"Suspicious activities" are actions that raise concern and warrant further investigation, while "criminal activities" are actions that have been confirmed to violate the law. "Suspicious activities" may or may not turn out to be criminal.