they were suspected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were suspected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or groups who are believed to be involved in wrongdoing or a particular situation without definitive proof. Example: "Despite the lack of evidence, they were suspected of being involved in the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, they were suspected not be involved in the dehydrogenation.

Catalysis Today

Dry-labbing is essentially identifying the drugs as what they were suspected to be.

The Washington Post

"They were suspected of having dealings with foreign intelligence agents," the former official said.

The New York Times

A spokeswoman said they were suspected of lifting the razor wire fence to get into Hungary.

The Guardian

In the 80s two neo-Nazis were executed because they were suspected of betraying the group.

The Guardian - Opinion

A statement on the president's website said they were suspected of violating citizens' constitutional rights.

The New York Times

Because of their origins, they were suspected of not being French enough.

The Washington Post

At first they were suspected of being drug mules; further investigation revealed the marriage scam.

The Guardian

Officials evicted several people after they were suspected of being involved in illicit gambling.

The Guardian - Sport

They were "suspected of wishing to participate in jihad and possible attacks," she said.

The New York Times

They were suspected of criminality rather than professional misconduct, he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were suspected", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the suspicion, even if the evidence is not conclusive. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "they were suspected" as a definitive truth. Always maintain a neutral tone and acknowledge that suspicion is not proof of guilt or wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were suspected" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the individuals referred to by "they" were the object of suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were suspected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction used to express suspicion without stating a definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various applications. When using this phrase, ensure that the basis for suspicion is clear and that it is not presented as an established truth. Alternative phrases like "they were believed to be" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were under suspicion

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying that they were being suspected.

they were believed to be

Focuses on belief rather than suspicion, implying a stronger level of conviction, but still without definitive proof.

they were thought to be

Similar to "believed to be", but can also suggest a more casual or less formal assessment.

suspicion fell on them

Shifts the focus to the act of suspecting, rather than their state of being suspected. This alternative is less direct.

they came under suspicion

Similar to "suspicion fell on them", emphasizing the process of becoming suspected.

they faced allegations of

Indicates a formal accusation, which is stronger than suspicion but implies no judgment has been passed.

they stood accused of

Highlights the formal nature of the accusation and their position as defendants.

they were accused of

Indicates a direct charge of wrongdoing but doesn't mean the charge is proven.

they were rumored to be

Indicates that the suspicion is based on unconfirmed information or gossip.

they were pegged as

Suggests a quick or informal labeling, which is less formal and possibly less accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "they were suspected" in a sentence?

Use "they were suspected" to indicate that a group of people were believed to be involved in something, often wrongdoing, without definitive proof. For example, "They were suspected of being involved in the robbery, but the police lacked evidence".

What's the difference between "they were suspected" and "they were accused"?

"They were suspected" implies a belief or hunch, whereas "they were accused" suggests a formal charge has been made, although guilt has not been proven.

What can I say instead of "they were suspected"?

You can use alternatives like "they were believed to be", "they were thought to be", or "they came under suspicion" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "they were suspected"?

The passive voice ("they were suspected") is common when the actor doing the suspecting is unknown or less important than the subjects. The active voice (e.g. "police suspected them") is appropriate when you want to emphasize who is doing the suspecting.