Suspected vs Suspect: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Have you ever been unsure whether to use “suspected” or “suspect” in your writing? It can be a common mistake, but fear not, we are here to clear up any confusion.

Suspected and suspect are both correct words, but they have different meanings. Suspected is the past tense of suspect, which means to believe or have an idea that someone is guilty of something. Suspect, on the other hand, is a verb that means to have an idea or belief that someone is guilty of something, or it can be used as a noun to refer to a person who is believed to have committed a crime.

In this article, we will explore the differences between suspected and suspect and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Suspected

Suspected is an adjective used to describe a person or thing that is believed to be involved in a particular action or behavior without any concrete evidence. It is often used to refer to someone who is under suspicion or scrutiny for their alleged involvement in a crime, wrongdoing, or any other suspicious activity.

For instance, a person who is suspected of stealing a valuable item from a store may be questioned by the police, but they cannot be arrested or charged until there is sufficient evidence to prove their guilt.

In the medical field, suspected may refer to a condition or disease that is believed to be present in a patient based on their symptoms or medical history, but has not yet been confirmed by diagnostic tests or procedures.

Define Suspect

Suspect is a noun or verb used to describe a person who is believed to have committed a crime, offense, or any other illegal or unethical act. It is often used in legal contexts, where a suspect is someone who is being investigated or charged with a crime.

For instance, a suspect in a murder case may be arrested and brought to trial if there is enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suspect can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is questionable, doubtful, or not to be trusted. For example, a suspect source of information or a suspect product that may be harmful or ineffective.

Comparison Table: Suspected vs Suspect

Suspected	Suspect
Adjective	Noun or verb
Used to describe a person or thing that is believed to be involved in a particular action or behavior without any concrete evidence	Used to describe a person who is believed to have committed a crime, offense, or any other illegal or unethical act
May refer to a medical condition or disease that is believed to be present in a patient based on their symptoms or medical history, but has not yet been confirmed by diagnostic tests or procedures	Often used in legal contexts, where a suspect is someone who is being investigated or charged with a crime
	Can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is questionable, doubtful, or not to be trusted

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “suspected” and “suspect” in a sentence.

How To Use “Suspected” In A Sentence

The word “suspected” is an adjective that describes something or someone that is believed to be guilty of a particular action or crime, but has not been proven to be guilty yet. Here are some examples of how to use “suspected” in a sentence:

• Police have identified a suspected thief in the area.
• The suspected cause of the fire is faulty wiring.
• She is suspected of embezzling company funds.

It is important to note that “suspected” is often used in conjunction with the word “of” to indicate what the person or thing is suspected of doing.

How To Use “Suspect” In A Sentence

The word “suspect” can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to believe or think that someone or something is guilty of a particular action or crime. Here are some examples of how to use “suspect” as a verb:

• The police suspect that he is involved in the drug trade.
• I suspect that she is lying about her whereabouts.
• He is suspected of stealing the money from the cash register.

As a noun, “suspect” refers to a person who is believed to be guilty of a crime. Here are some examples of how to use “suspect” as a noun:

• The suspect is being held in custody.
• The police have apprehended a suspect in the robbery.
• The suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As an adjective, “suspect” describes something or someone that is believed to be potentially dangerous or unreliable. Here are some examples of how to use “suspect” as an adjective:

• The package looked suspect, so we called the bomb squad.
• Her alibi is suspect, so we need to investigate further.
• The suspect car was spotted leaving the scene of the crime.

It is important to use “suspect” correctly in a sentence to avoid confusion and ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

More Examples Of Suspected & Suspect Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between “suspected” and “suspect,” it is important to see how they are used in context. Below are examples of both words used in sentences.

Examples Of Using “Suspected” In A Sentence

• The police suspected the man of stealing the car.
• She is suspected of embezzling money from the company.
• He is suspected of being involved in the drug trade.
• The disease is suspected to be caused by a virus.
• The fire is suspected to have started in the kitchen.
• The suspect is suspected to have fled the scene of the crime.
• She is suspected to have been involved in the robbery.
• The police suspected that the man was lying about his alibi.
• The cause of the accident is suspected to be driver error.
• The suspect is suspected to have ties to organized crime.

Examples Of Using “Suspect” In A Sentence

• The suspect was seen fleeing the scene of the crime.
• The police have a suspect in custody.
• He is the prime suspect in the murder investigation.
• The suspect refused to answer any questions without a lawyer present.
• She was identified as a suspect in the theft of the jewelry.
• The suspect’s DNA was found at the crime scene.
• The suspect was charged with assault and battery.
• The suspect’s alibi was proven to be false.
• The suspect confessed to the crime during questioning.
• The suspect was released due to lack of evidence.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words suspected and suspect, many people tend to interchange them without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Suspect As An Adjective

One of the most common mistakes is using suspect as an adjective to describe a person or thing that is suspected of doing something wrong. For example, saying “the suspect package” instead of “the package that is suspected to be dangerous” is incorrect. Suspect should only be used as a verb or a noun.

Using Suspected As A Verb

Another mistake is using suspected as a verb, for example, saying “I suspect he is lying” instead of “I suspect that he is lying”. Suspected is an adjective that describes a person or thing that is believed to be guilty of something.

Confusing The Tenses

Many people also confuse the tenses of suspected and suspect. Suspected is in the past tense, while suspect is in the present tense. For example, saying “I was suspecting that he was lying” instead of “I suspected that he was lying” is incorrect.

Using Suspected As A Synonym For Suspicious

Some people use suspected as a synonym for suspicious, for example, saying “I am suspected of his behavior” instead of “I am suspicious of his behavior”. Suspected should only be used to describe a person or thing that is believed to be guilty of something.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Always use suspect as a verb or a noun, and suspected as an adjective
• Make sure to use the correct tense of the word
• Avoid using suspected as a synonym for suspicious
• Double-check your usage of these words in your writing to ensure accuracy

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using suspected and suspect correctly in your writing.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “suspected” and “suspect,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “suspected” and “suspect” might change:

Legal Context

In a legal context, the choice between “suspected” and “suspect” can have serious implications. “Suspected” is often used to describe someone who is believed to have committed a crime, but has not yet been charged or convicted. On the other hand, “suspect” is typically used to describe someone who has been formally accused of a crime.

For example, a police officer might say “we have a suspected thief in the area” if they have reason to believe that someone is stealing, but they have not yet caught the person in the act. However, if the police catch someone stealing and formally charge them with the crime, they would be referred to as a “suspect.”

Medical Context

In a medical context, the choice between “suspected” and “suspect” can also be important. “Suspected” is often used to describe a condition or disease that is suspected based on symptoms or other evidence, but has not been confirmed through testing. “Suspect” is typically used to describe a confirmed diagnosis.

For example, a doctor might say “we suspect that you have a broken bone” if you are experiencing pain and other symptoms, but have not yet had an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. However, if the X-ray confirms that your bone is broken, the doctor would say “you have a suspected broken bone.”

Journalistic Context

In a journalistic context, the choice between “suspected” and “suspect” can also depend on the level of evidence available. “Suspected” is often used to describe someone who is believed to have committed a crime based on circumstantial evidence or witness testimony, but has not yet been formally accused. “Suspect” is typically used to describe someone who has been formally accused of a crime.

For example, a news article might say “police are searching for a suspected bank robber” if they have identified a person who matches the description of the robber, but have not yet arrested them. However, if the police catch the person and charge them with the crime, they would be referred to as a “suspect.”

In conclusion, the choice between “suspected” and “suspect” can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of these words can help ensure that you are using them correctly and effectively in your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using suspected and suspect are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of these words to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication. Below are some exceptions to the rules for using suspected and suspect:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, suspected and suspect have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. In this context, suspected refers to a person who is believed to have committed a crime but has not yet been charged, while a suspect is a person who has been formally accused of a crime. For example:

• The police suspect that John committed the crime, but he has not yet been charged.
• John is a suspect in the robbery case.

2. Medical Terminology

In medical terminology, suspected and suspect are often used to indicate a possibility or likelihood of a condition or disease. In this context, suspected refers to a condition that is suspected but not yet confirmed, while a suspect is a person who is suspected of having a particular disease or condition. For example:

• The patient is suspected to have a heart condition and will undergo further tests.
• The suspect has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and is receiving treatment.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are also some idiomatic expressions where suspected and suspect are used in a figurative sense. In these cases, the words do not necessarily have their literal meanings. For example:

• She suspected as much when she heard the news. (meaning: she had expected it)
• He is a suspect character. (meaning: he is not to be trusted)

It is important to note that these exceptions may vary depending on the context and usage of the words. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a dictionary or seek clarification if in doubt.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between suspected and suspect, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (suspected or suspect) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The police _______ that the thief had fled the country.
2. She didn’t _______ anything until she saw the evidence.
3. The _______ murderer was finally caught after months of investigation.
4. He was _______ of stealing the money, but there was no proof.

Answers:

1. suspected
2. suspect
3. suspected
4. suspected

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage

Identify whether the following sentences use suspected or suspect correctly:

1. The police suspect that the thief had fled the country.
2. She suspected that he was lying.
3. The suspect murderer was finally caught after months of investigation.
4. He was suspect of stealing the money, but there was no proof.

Answers:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Incorrect (should be suspected)
4. Incorrect (should be suspected)

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of suspected and suspect and use them correctly in your writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “suspected” and “suspect” is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

The Meaning Of “Suspected” And “Suspect”

• “Suspected” is the past participle of the verb “suspect,” which means to believe or think that someone is guilty of something.
• “Suspect” is a verb that means to believe or think that someone is guilty of something, or a noun that refers to a person who is believed to be guilty of a crime.

The Correct Usage Of “Suspected” And “Suspect”

It is important to use “suspected” when referring to a past belief or thought. For instance, “The police suspected that the thief had fled the country.” On the other hand, “suspect” should be used when referring to an ongoing belief or thought. For instance, “The police suspect that the thief is still in the country.”

Examples Of Common Mistakes

Many people use “suspected” and “suspect” interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For example:

Mistake	Correction
“I suspect he was the one who stole my wallet.”	“I suspected he was the one who stole my wallet.”
“The police suspected the murderer is still at large.”	“The police suspect the murderer is still at large.”

Continued Learning

Grammar and language use are complex topics that require ongoing learning and practice. To continue improving your writing skills, consider reading books on grammar and style, taking writing courses, or working with a writing coach.