I accused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I accused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have charged someone with a wrongdoing or fault. Example: "I accused him of stealing my lunch from the fridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 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

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

I accused cashiers of cheating me out of a penny while holding the penny in my hand.

The New Yorker

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

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I accuse everything," he said suddenly.

The New Yorker

I accuse all reactionary and bourgeois parents".

The New Yorker

I accuse: "You've changed the norm.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of your accusation and whether a more tactful approach, such as expressing concern or asking questions, might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I accused" without having a reasonable basis for your claim. Making unfounded accusations can damage relationships and credibility. Instead of directly accusing, consider asking clarifying questions or expressing concerns first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I accused" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker directly asserts that they made an accusation. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in news articles and personal narratives, indicating its role in reporting and recounting events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I accused" is a common and straightforward way to express that you have charged someone with a wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. When employing "I accused", consider the context and potential impact, ensuring you have a reasonable basis for your claim. Alternatives like "I blamed" or "I charged" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Remember to avoid making unsubstantiated accusations to maintain credibility and healthy relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I blamed

This alternative places direct responsibility on someone for something.

I charged

This suggests a more formal accusation, like in a legal context.

I held responsible

Emphasizes that you consider someone accountable.

I pointed the finger at

Indicates a clear direction of blame.

I suspected

Implies a lack of certainty, but a strong belief in someone's guilt.

I attributed blame to

More formal and indirect way of assigning blame.

I reproached

Indicates disapproval or criticism.

I impugned

Suggests challenging someone's honesty or integrity.

I denounced

Expresses strong disapproval and condemnation.

I criticized

Offers a general expression of disapproval.

FAQs

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

Use "I accused" to express that you charged someone with a wrongdoing or fault. For example, "I accused him of stealing my lunch from the fridge."

What can I say instead of "I accused"?

You can use alternatives like "I blamed", "I charged", or "I held responsible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I accused him" or "I accused to him"?

"I accused him" is correct. The verb 'accuse' takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

What's the difference between "I accused" and "I suspected"?

"I accused" implies a direct charge or blame, while "I suspected" indicates a feeling or belief without definitive proof.