that seems suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or concern about a situation, action, or statement that appears questionable or untrustworthy. Example: "The sudden change in his story that seems suspicious, and I think we should investigate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Any asset or transaction that seems suspicious, no matter how trivial, must be reported to the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

The Economist

An important lesson of the M.P.S. story is that, when banks are presented with a client who wants to do something that seems suspicious, they should check its motives deeply.

The New York Times

"If you receive a phone call that seems suspicious, end the call immediately and don't give out any information," an Action Fraud spokesman told the BBC.

BBC

Remove any program on the list that you don't remember installing or that seems suspicious.

WikiHow

They may ask you for your password, go to a hack site, or anything that seems suspicious.

WikiHow

If you see anyone or any activity that seems suspicious, do not put yourself into potential danger.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

That investigation began the old-fashioned way, with trades that seemed suspicious.

The New York Times

So far, the officials said, they had not found any letters or packages that seemed suspicious.

The New York Times

He said the Motor Vehicles Department would not notify immigration authorities unless the driver had presented immigration documents that seemed suspicious and needed verification.

The New York Times

She said that residents and visitors to Capitol Hill had experienced traffic congestion as officers at checkpoints continue to scrutinize cars and stop and inspect larger vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and trucks as well as cars that seem suspicious.

The New York Times - Travel

FAC pilots had two duties: to fly over specified areas noting anything that seemed suspicious to them & choosing targets to recommend for air strikes, and to guide fighter-bombers to their targets.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that seems suspicious", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically is causing the suspicion. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that seems suspicious" as a substitute for specific concerns. Instead of vaguely stating suspicion, articulate the reasons behind it for a more persuasive and informative statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems suspicious" functions as a qualifier, expressing a subjective assessment or opinion regarding something that raises doubts or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that seems suspicious" is a common and grammatically correct way to express doubt or concern. Ludwig AI highlights its role in indicating something questionable or untrustworthy. As demonstrated by numerous examples across News & Media, Wiki, and Academia, it serves to prompt further scrutiny. While versatile, it's advisable to provide specific reasons for your suspicion rather than relying on vague language. Alternatives such as "that appears dubious" or "that raises red flags" can offer nuanced expressions, but "that seems suspicious" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that looks questionable

Substitutes "seems" with "looks" and "suspicious" with "questionable", maintaining a similar level of informality.

that appears dubious

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "suspicious" with "dubious", offering a more formal tone.

that is open to doubt

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of confidence in the truth or reliability of something.

that warrants further scrutiny

Indicates the necessity for a more thorough examination or investigation due to potential issues.

that raises red flags

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a warning sign, implying potential danger or deception.

that is fishy

Uses a slang term to describe something that is suspicious or dishonest, adding a casual tone.

that feels off

Employs a more intuitive sense of something being wrong, using "feels" instead of "seems" and "off" instead of "suspicious".

that doesn't quite add up

Expresses a sense that details are inconsistent or illogical, suggesting a lack of coherence.

that gives me pause

Indicates that something is causing hesitation or concern, suggesting a need for further consideration.

that smacks of impropriety

Suggests a hint of unethical or inappropriate behavior, carrying a stronger connotation of wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "that seems suspicious" in a sentence?

You can use "that seems suspicious" to express your concern about something questionable or untrustworthy. For example, "The detail "that seems suspicious" is the timing of the event".

What are some alternatives to "that seems suspicious"?

You can use alternatives like "that appears dubious", "that raises red flags", or "that looks questionable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "that seems suspicious" or "that is suspicious"?

"That seems suspicious" implies a subjective assessment based on available information, while "that is suspicious" suggests a more definitive conclusion. The choice depends on the level of certainty and the context.

What's the difference between "that seems suspicious" and "that seems unlikely"?

"That seems suspicious" indicates a belief that something is potentially dishonest or deceptive, whereas "that seems unlikely" simply means that something is improbable or hard to believe.