we are suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or mistrust about a situation or someone's intentions. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, we are suspicious of the claims made by the witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We are suspicious of the Americans.

The New Yorker

We are suspicious of the Afghans".

The New Yorker

We are suspicious of each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are suspicious of arbitrary power, wary of government interference.

The Guardian

That's why we are suspicious of the Sierra Leonean refugees.

The New York Times

Nowadays we are suspicious of such popularity and of the lack of sophistication it usually implies.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

We were suspicious of rich people.

The New York Times

"I guess they thought we were suspicious".

The New York Times

"We were suspicious of this from the get-go.

The New York Times

We were suspicious of militancy, black or otherwise; suspicious of claims to authenticity, racial and otherwise.

The New Yorker

We live in cynical times, worse luck, in which we're suspicious of sentiment.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are suspicious", clearly state the object or reason for your suspicion to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We are suspicious of the company's financial reports due to inconsistencies in the data."

Common error

Avoid using "we are suspicious" without explaining why. Overuse can make your writing sound accusatory or vague. Instead, provide specific reasons or observations that lead to your suspicion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are suspicious" functions as a statement of doubt or mistrust. It expresses a feeling or belief that something is not as it seems or that someone's intentions may be questionable. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is correct and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are suspicious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey doubt or mistrust. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it serves to express skepticism about events, claims, or individuals. While "we are suspicious" is generally neutral, it's important to provide context to avoid ambiguity or sounding accusatory. Alternatives like "we are doubtful" or "we are skeptical" can be used to add nuance, although "we are suspicious" offers direct and common meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are doubtful

Changes "suspicious" to "doubtful", implying a lack of certainty.

we are skeptical

Replaces "suspicious" with "skeptical", indicating a questioning attitude.

we have doubts

A more direct and simple way to express uncertainty or suspicion.

we are wary

Substitutes "suspicious" with "wary", suggesting caution and alertness to potential danger.

we are distrustful

Uses "distrustful" instead of "suspicious", emphasizing a lack of trust.

we have reservations

Expresses a similar sentiment using a more formal tone, indicating concerns or doubts.

we are questioning

Highlights the act of questioning or doubting something.

we are apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or fear that something bad might happen, leading to suspicion.

we are unconvinced

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion.

we are hesitant

Suggests reluctance or unwillingness due to doubt or uncertainty.

FAQs

How to use "we are suspicious" in a sentence?

Use "we are suspicious" to express doubt or mistrust about something. For example, "We are suspicious of their motives" or "We are suspicious that the data has been manipulated."

What can I say instead of "we are suspicious"?

You can use alternatives like "we are doubtful", "we are skeptical", or "we have reservations" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we are suspicious" or "we are suspecting"?

"We are suspicious" is the correct and more common phrasing. "We are suspecting" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. It's better to say "we suspect".

What's the difference between "we are suspicious of" and "we suspect"?

"We are suspicious of" implies a general feeling of mistrust or doubt, while "we suspect" suggests a more concrete belief or assumption about something specific. They can often be used interchangeably, but "we suspect" may indicate a stronger degree of certainty.