suspicious character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious character" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a person whose behavior is suspicious or indicates that they may be up to something. For example: "When I arrived, I noticed a suspicious character lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Who is this suspicious character?

The New York Times

A skylarker was a name for a suspicious character.

The New York Times

A concerned neighbor had called the police to report a suspicious character.

The New York Times

So what they see is the possible beginning of a terrorist conspiracy -- one slightly suspicious character has just crossed paths with another slightly suspicious character, and that makes them seriously suspicious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Zimmerman can be heard on the tape calling police to report a suspicious character in the gated community in Sanford, Florida, where he lived.

Independent

After John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, speculation later surrounded "Umbrella Man", a supposedly suspicious character shown in photographs carrying an umbrella.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Suspicious characters.

The New York Times

So too were suspicious characters seen around the building.

The New York Times

Suspicious characters should be reported, and so on.

The New York Times

It scrutinizes the traffic going in and out of the system, looking for obviously suspicious characters.

The New York Times - Tech

He armed himself under Florida's ridiculously lax gun laws and went looking for suspicious characters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspicious character", ensure the context provides some basis for the suspicion, avoiding unfounded accusations or stereotyping.

Common error

Avoid having characters repeatedly refer to someone as a "suspicious character" in dialogue. Instead, show their suspicion through actions, observations, and indirect language for a more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious character" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "suspicious" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "character". It identifies an individual who evokes distrust or concern based on their behavior or appearance, consistent with the Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suspicious character" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who raises concerns due to their behavior or appearance, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to label an individual as potentially untrustworthy. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to avoid overuse, especially in dialogue, opting instead for more subtle ways to convey suspicion. Ludwig also provides several alternative phrases, such as "dubious individual" or "shady person", to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious individual

Replaces "character" with a more formal synonym, suggesting someone of questionable reputation.

questionable figure

Focuses on the individual's role or appearance as being uncertain or doubtful.

shady person

Uses a more informal term ("shady") to imply dishonesty or untrustworthiness.

dodgy individual

Employs British slang ("dodgy") to suggest someone unreliable or potentially involved in illegal activities.

fishy character

Uses the adjective "fishy", which is an informal way to describe someone who appears suspicious or dishonest.

untrustworthy person

Highlights the lack of reliability or honesty in the individual.

questionable individual

Similar to "dubious individual" but emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the person.

mysterious figure

Indicates that the person's identity or motives are unknown and possibly suspect.

unreliable individual

Focuses on the person's inconsistency or lack of dependability, raising suspicion.

suspect

A shorter, more direct term often used in legal or investigative contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "suspicious character" to describe someone who seems untrustworthy or is behaving in a way that raises concerns. For instance, "I saw a "suspicious character" lurking near the building last night".

What's a more formal way to say "suspicious character"?

More formal alternatives include "dubious individual" or "questionable figure", which convey a similar sense of unease but in a more refined manner.

What are some less formal alternatives to "suspicious character"?

For a less formal tone, you could use "shady person" or "dodgy individual", though these may carry a stronger connotation of dishonesty.

Is it okay to use "suspicious character" to describe someone based on their appearance?

Using "suspicious character" based solely on appearance can perpetuate stereotypes and lead to unfair judgments. It's best to base your assessment on behavior or actions, not superficial characteristics.