What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shady
Example
The park has many shady spots to relax in. [shady: adjective]
Example
I don't trust that guy, he seems a bit shady. [shady: adjective]
Example
The contract had some shady clauses that made me uneasy. [shady: adjective]
suspicious
Example
The police found some suspicious activity near the crime scene. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
I have a suspicious feeling that he's lying to us. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
Her behavior was suspicious, and I wondered what she was hiding. [suspicious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspicious is more commonly used than shady in everyday language. Suspicious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while shady is less common and more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shady and suspicious?
Both shady and suspicious are informal words that are typically used in casual conversations. However, suspicious can also be used in formal contexts, such as legal or business settings, to express doubt or mistrust.
