suspicious individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who raises doubts or concerns about their behavior or intentions. Example: "The security team was alerted to a suspicious individual loitering near the entrance of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He joined us with the news that a very suspicious individual had just been prevented entering the Guildhall.

The Guardian - Books

"In practice, however," the report says, "the vast majority of Blackwater weapons discharges are pre-emptive, with Blackwater forces firing first at a vehicle or suspicious individual prior to receiving any fire".

The New York Times

In the hunt for terrorists and those who support them, intelligence analysts construct "link charts" to connect a suspicious individual to his known acquaintances, to their known acquaintances, and so on — an exercise in six degrees of separation.

The New Yorker

He was not in a car seen driving towards Germany Belgium's La Libre newspaper reported that police in Rocourt, near Liège, spotted a "suspicious individual" at around 7.30pm on Sunday that may have been Abdeslam.

Independent

A suspicious individual's presence in a "high-crime area" is among the criteria American police may use to determine whether a search is acceptable: a more rigorous definition of those locations will stop that justification being abused.

The Economist

Suppose, for example, a police officer follows a "suspicious" individual who is walking down the street.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"We have a problem with suspicious individuals laundering their travel," Johnson said.

The Guardian

CRITICS also say federal agencies have failed to coordinate their watch lists, which pinpoint suspicious individuals.

The New York Times

But he said the authorities were continuing to investigate "suspicious individuals" who have obtained the licenses.

The New York Times

Another poster invites people to take note of suspicious individuals who are "studying the CCTV cameras".

The Guardian - Opinion

An Israeli start-up called WeCU is developing a system capable of spotting suspicious individuals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase. In formal settings, "person of interest" may be more appropriate. In less formal settings, "shady figure" might be acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "suspicious individual" repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "person of interest" or "questionable character" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious individual" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "suspicious" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "individual". Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, denoting someone who provokes doubt or mistrust.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suspicious individual" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to describe someone who raises doubts or concerns. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While "suspicious individual" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, more neutral terms like "person of interest" might be more suitable. It's important to provide context when using the phrase, as it carries negative connotations. Consider alternatives like "questionable character", "dubious person", or "shady figure" for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable character

Emphasizes the doubtful or uncertain nature of the person's moral qualities or reputation.

dubious person

Highlights the uncertainty or doubt surrounding the person's trustworthiness or intentions.

shady figure

Suggests the person is involved in dishonest or illegal activities.

person of interest

Indicates the individual is being investigated or considered in relation to a particular event or situation.

untrustworthy individual

Directly states the person cannot be relied upon or trusted.

questionable figure

Focuses on the disputable or uncertain aspects of the person's actions or background.

unreliable person

Highlights the person's lack of dependability or consistency.

potential suspect

Suggests the individual might be involved in something illicit, as a potential suspect.

unconventional person

Highlights how the individual is different from the norm.

peculiar character

Highlights the oddity of the individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "suspicious individual" to describe someone whose behavior or appearance raises doubts. For example: "The officer noticed a "suspicious individual" loitering near the bank."

What's the difference between "suspicious individual" and "person of interest"?

"Suspicious individual" suggests a general sense of unease or distrust, while "person of interest" usually implies someone is being investigated in connection to a specific event.

What are some synonyms for "suspicious individual"?

Synonyms include "questionable character", "dubious person", or "shady figure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "suspicious individual" in formal writing?

While "suspicious individual" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, more neutral terms like "person of interest" or "questionable figure" might be more suitable.