usual suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person or group that is commonly suspected of wrongdoing or involvement in a particular situation. Example: "In any investigation, the usual suspect often emerges based on past behavior and associations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But there's nothing of the Usual Suspect about this success.

The Guardian - Books

But one dreamer is not a usual suspect.

The New York Times

Lynda Benglis, contributing a poured-latex floor piece from 1969, qualifies as a new usual suspect.

The New York Times - Arts

In this case, the gorilla is not the Department of Health, the usual suspect.

The Guardian

Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of GlaxoSmithKline and another usual suspect, is not on the list.

The Guardian - Business

It's not just the usual suspect tax havens that are culpable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Overfishing of U.S. oceans has led to the dramatic decline of many fish stocks, but a new study suggests that the usual suspect--the commercial fishing industry--is not the only one to blame.

Science Magazine

Among the 72 dealers, scores are presenting usual-suspect inventories: Evans, Weston, Arbus and so on.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, there are strip malls with plenty of usual-suspect franchises — although one strip mall, oddly enough, includes a small museum that tells the story of Anne Frank.

The New York Times

Thursday morning brought with it a new video from the Last Shadow Puppets – one that was posted as normal on the usual-suspect music-focused outlets.

The Guardian - Music

A number of people, many of them far outside the usual-suspect circles of conspiracy theorists, became convinced that the FBI was behind the bombings.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usual suspect" when you want to indicate that someone or something is predictably or commonly suspected in a particular situation, especially when prior events or characteristics suggest their involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "usual suspect" in contexts where suspicion is not implied. This phrase carries a connotation of potential wrongdoing or negative association, and its misuse can create unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual suspect" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies someone or something predictably associated with a situation, often implying blame or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usual suspect" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to identify an entity predictably linked to a situation, often implying blame. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and readily usable. While suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific settings. Its frequent appearance in news and media highlights its role in framing predictable narratives. When considering related phrases, the subtle nuances of the alternatives such as "prime suspect" and "common culprit" become important, making each more useful in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prime suspect

Focuses on being the main or most likely person considered responsible.

common culprit

Emphasizes the aspect of wrongdoing or being at fault.

first choice suspect

Indicates the initial suspect considered in an investigation or situation.

frequent offender

Highlights a pattern of repeated negative behavior.

customary suspect

Emphasizes the habitual or expected nature of the suspicion.

default suspect

Implies that the suspect is chosen due to lack of other options or information.

typical offender

Highlights the predictable nature of the offender.

stock suspect

Refers to a suspect that is repeatedly used or considered.

go-to scapegoat

Implies that someone is unfairly blamed for problems.

likely candidate

Suggests someone or something as a probable choice, not necessarily negative.

FAQs

What does "usual suspect" mean?

The phrase "usual suspect" refers to a person, group, or thing that is commonly suspected or associated with a problem, crime, or undesirable situation.

How can I use "usual suspect" in a sentence?

You can use "usual suspect" to refer to someone or something predictably blamed or suspected. For example: "In any economic downturn, the "usual suspect" is often government spending."

What can I say instead of "usual suspect"?

You can use alternatives like "prime suspect", "common culprit", or "frequent offender" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "usual suspect" in formal writing?

While "usual suspect" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "primary candidate" or "most likely cause" in academic or professional contexts for enhanced precision.