suspicious circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious circumstances" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a situation or set of factors that cause suspicion or distrust. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: "The police are investigating the case of the missing diamond necklace, as there are several suspicious circumstances surrounding its disappearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dozens more have died in suspicious circumstances.

The Economist

There are no suspicious circumstances".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Independent

Ag. 22: Suspicious circumstances; report taken".

The New York Times

People die in extravagantly suspicious circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Initial inquiries suggested no suspicious circumstances.

The Guardian

It is understood there were no suspicious circumstances.

Independent

There were no suspicious circumstances to United's defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

Initially police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Independent

"We don't believe there were any suspicious circumstances," said Breen.

The Guardian

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suspicious circumstances", clearly outline the specific elements that raise suspicion to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "suspicious circumstances" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Opt for more precise language that specifies the exact nature of the suspicion such as "questionable situation", "dubious situation" or "irregular conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious circumstances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a set of conditions or events that raise doubts or imply potential wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and in common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suspicious circumstances" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions to describe situations warranting investigation due to potential wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequency in English writing. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various professional discussions. While versatile, being specific and providing explicit context regarding the grounds for suspicion can enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "questionable situation", or "dubious situation" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable situation

Replaces 'circumstances' with 'situation', focusing on the uncertainty of the events.

dubious situation

Emphasizes the doubtful and uncertain nature of the situation.

fishy situation

Informal term highlighting the untrustworthy aspect of the situation.

irregular conditions

Focuses on the non-standard or unusual nature of the conditions.

unclear conditions

Highlights the ambiguity and lack of transparency.

shady situation

Informal term implying deceit or dishonesty.

mysterious situation

Emphasizes the inexplicable and puzzling nature of the circumstances.

odd situation

Highlights the unusual character of the situation.

peculiar situation

Highlights the distinctive and strange aspects of the situation.

anomalous situation

Draws attention to the deviation from what is normal or expected.

FAQs

What does "suspicious circumstances" mean?

It refers to a situation where facts or events suggest something is wrong, dishonest, or illegal.

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

You might say, "The police are investigating the death due to "questionable circumstances" surrounding it."

What are some alternatives to "suspicious circumstances"?

Alternatives include "dubious circumstances", "questionable situation", or "fishy situation", depending on the level of formality.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "suspicious circumstances"?

Yes, whenever possible, provide specific details about what makes the circumstances suspicious to avoid ambiguity.