under suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that something (or someone) is being doubted or questioned. For example: "The suspect was held under suspicion of theft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're always under suspicion.

The New Yorker

We were under suspicion.

The Economist

It puts everybody under suspicion.

The New York Times

They were expensive and under suspicion.

The New Yorker

Thomas's work, however, came under suspicion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I feel always under suspicion," he said.

The New York Times

But they, too, have come under suspicion.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mr. Hamdani was not under suspicion".

The New York Times

The spy has also come under suspicion.

The Guardian

Then the ice maker came under suspicion.

The New York Times - Tech

Muslim militants, however, are under suspicion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under suspicion", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the suspicion to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the crime or action that the person is suspected of.

Common error

Avoid using "under suspicion" without specifying what the suspicion relates to. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. Instead of saying "He is under suspicion", specify "He is under suspicion of fraud".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under suspicion" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state or condition of a person or entity, indicating that they are being suspected of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under suspicion" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone or something is being suspected of wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms this, presenting numerous examples from reliable sources. It's frequently found in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. While it's crucial to provide context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity, it effectively communicates a state of doubt or incrimination. Related phrases such as "suspected of" and "under investigation" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Overall, "under suspicion" is a useful and well-understood expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspected of

Focuses on the act of suspecting someone directly, rather than their state.

under investigation

Implies a formal inquiry is underway, emphasizing the process.

a person of interest

More neutral term, indicating someone police want to interview.

in the frame

Suggests someone has been implicated in something, possibly wrongly.

subject to scrutiny

Highlights the close examination and potential criticism involved.

looked upon with disfavour

Emphasizes a lack of approval and potential negative judgment.

viewed with mistrust

Focuses on the lack of trust and potential doubt surrounding someone.

on the radar

Indicates that someone or something is being monitored or watched.

under a cloud

Suggests a state of disgrace or suspicion, often related to wrongdoing.

implicated in

Implies involvement, often in a crime or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How to use "under suspicion" in a sentence?

Use "under suspicion" to indicate that someone is suspected of something, such as "The suspect is "under suspicion" of robbery".

What can I say instead of "under suspicion"?

You can use alternatives like "suspected of", "under investigation", or "a person of interest depending on the context.

Which is correct, "under suspicion" or "under suspicious"?

"Under suspicion" is the correct phrase. "Suspicious" is an adjective describing something that causes suspicion, while "suspicion" is the state of being suspected. Therefore, you are ""under suspicion"".

What's the difference between "under suspicion" and "under a cloud"?

"Under suspicion" specifically implies being suspected of a particular wrongdoing or crime, while "under a cloud" suggests a more general state of disgrace or mistrust.