I accuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I accuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when formally stating that someone is being charged with a wrongdoing or crime. Example: "In the court of law, I accuse the defendant of theft based on the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I accuse all reactionary and bourgeois parents".

The New Yorker

I accuse: "You've changed the norm.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I accuse everything," he said suddenly.

The New Yorker

If I accuse him of something he will expect me to remember word for word.

The New York Times

"I accuse the Supreme Council of dereliction and with helping to aggravate sectarian violence, of failing our revolution," she added.

The New York Times

"Ariel Sharon, I accuse you of having made me suffer for 16 some odd years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"So you want me to come back," I accused her.

The New Yorker

"I accused him of looking for reasons to criticize Guidry.

The New York Times - Sports

I accused Ian McEwan to his face of being a crime writer manqué." How did he reply?

Independent

For decades, I accused the Nets of just being a knockoff version of the Knicks.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I accused him of selling out and called him a scab," Rubio wrote later.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I accuse" to formally state a charge or express strong disapproval. Ensure you have credible evidence or a strong moral basis for your accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "I accuse" in casual conversations or minor disagreements. It carries a serious tone and is more appropriate for formal or significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I accuse" functions as a performative verb, directly enacting the act of accusation. As seen in Ludwig, this usage aligns with its common appearance in formal statements or declarations of wrongdoing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I accuse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to formally assign blame or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "I blame" or "I hold responsible" exist, "I accuse" carries a weight that is more appropriate in significant situations. Use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I blame

Directly assigns responsibility without necessarily implying formal charges.

I hold responsible

Emphasizes accountability for an action or situation.

I fault

Focuses on identifying errors or shortcomings.

I condemn

Expresses strong disapproval and moral judgment.

I denounce

Publicly declares something to be wrong or evil.

I indict

Implies a formal accusation, often in a legal context.

I charge

Formally accuses someone of something, often in a legal setting.

I attribute the fault to

Specifies the cause or origin of a negative outcome.

I point the finger at

Informally assigns blame to someone.

I lay the blame on

Places the responsibility for something negative onto someone.

FAQs

How can I use "I accuse" in a sentence?

Use "I accuse" to formally charge someone with wrongdoing. For example, "I accuse him of lying under oath." Ensure your accusation is supported by evidence or strong belief.

What can I say instead of "I accuse"?

You can use alternatives like "I blame", "I hold responsible", or "I denounce" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I accuse"?

It is appropriate to use "I accuse" in formal settings, such as legal proceedings, or when making a serious charge against someone. It's less suitable for informal or trivial situations.

What is the difference between "I accuse" and "I allege"?

"I accuse" implies a direct charge, while "I allege" suggests a claim without definitive proof. "I accuse" is stronger and more assertive than "I allege".