throw suspicion on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw suspicion on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions that lead others to doubt or question someone's integrity or motives. Example: "The evidence presented in court seemed to throw suspicion on the defendant's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smart move — throw suspicion off yourself before any one else can accuse you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her murder immediately threw suspicion on Russia's security services and the pro-Moscow Chechen forces that control Chechnya.

The Guardian

Felt had an inventive period as he searched for himself, successively throwing suspicion on the county prosecutor in Miami, on the US Attorney's office in Washington, and even on someone in the White House.

The Guardian

Felt had an inventive period as he searched for himself, successively throwing suspicion on the county prosecutor in Miami (where some of the White House's illegal money had been laundered), on the US Attorney's office in Washington, and even on someone in the White House.

The Guardian

"They're throwing suspicion at every Muslim neighbor.

Huffington Post

But his feat also went down in SDS legend because Lambert had skilfully disguised that he was the source of the tip-off, managing to throw the suspicions on to others within the small ring of activists who knew about the attacks.

The Guardian

Suspicion is thrown on one character, but it turns out that an elaborate trick has been played on us.

The New Yorker

Suspicion is thrown on one character, yet, when the killer turns out to be someone else, we're left not with the elation of solving a mystery from planted clues but with the chagrin of having been taken in by a ruse.

The New Yorker

Section 2 throws light on five different chaotic mapping techniques.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

The arrests, the first in the case since March, may throw new light on suspicions that Mohamed Merah did not act alone in the attacks, which left seven dead.

The Guardian

The growing quandary for the new antiterror strategy is its effect on millions of law-abiding immigrants from the Middle East who were thrown under suspicion after the Sept. 11 attacks, and even more so since Madrid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "accuse" or "implicate" if the intent is to convey direct blame rather than suggestion.

Common error

Avoid using "throw suspicion on" when you have concrete evidence. This phrase implies a suggestion of guilt, not a declaration of fact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "throw suspicion on" is as a phrasal verb. It describes an action that causes doubt or incrimination. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used to describe actions that lead others to question someone's integrity or motives. It often appears in contexts related to crime, politics, or investigations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "throw suspicion on" functions as a phrasal verb used to suggest doubt or imply wrongdoing without direct accusation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across different contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While it is not a particularly frequent expression, its neutrality makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you intend to suggest doubt rather than assert a fact. Consider alternatives like "cast doubt upon" or "raise suspicions about" based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cast doubt upon

Replaces "throw suspicion" with "cast doubt", focusing on creating uncertainty rather than direct accusation.

raise suspicions about

Emphasizes the generation of doubt concerning a person or situation.

imply culpability

Focuses on suggesting guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing.

suggest involvement

Highlights a connection to a questionable activity, without necessarily implying guilt.

create uncertainty regarding

Shifts the focus to the creation of doubt about a specific matter.

put under scrutiny

Highlights the action of making someone or something subject to thorough examination and questioning.

arouse mistrust of

Focuses on generating a lack of trust towards someone or something.

give rise to skepticism about

Highlights the act of causing doubt or disbelief regarding something.

taint with suspicion

Focuses on the act of corrupting someone's reputation with doubt.

foster distrust in

Emphasizes the cultivation of a lack of confidence or reliance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "throw suspicion on"?

You can use alternatives like "cast doubt upon", "raise suspicions about", or "imply culpability depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cast suspicion on" instead of "throw suspicion on"?

Yes, "cast suspicion on" is a very similar and often interchangeable phrase with "throw suspicion on". Both suggest that someone or something is being viewed with doubt.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "throw suspicion on"?

Use "throw suspicion on" when you want to indicate that something has occurred that leads others to doubt or mistrust someone or something. It implies a suggestion of wrongdoing without direct accusation.

What is the difference between "throw suspicion on" and "accuse"?

"Throw suspicion on" suggests doubt without directly stating guilt. "Accuse", on the other hand, is a direct charge of wrongdoing. Therefore, "throw suspicion on" is less direct and forceful than "accuse".