a source accused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source accused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a source that has been accused of something, typically in a journalistic or reporting context. Example: "According to a source accused of misconduct, the allegations were unfounded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A source accused senior Lib Dems of driving "a coach and horses through their own rules to placate the party and to get rid of Chris Rennard".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A presidential source accused the Houthis of igniting the clashes.

The Guardian

The report, which cited an unnamed source, accused Fisher of making that deal for personal gain: the possibility of a future job in the league.

The New York Times - Sports

As recriminations flew around Westminster, a senior Labour source accused Mr Cameron of a "stubborn refusal to accept the importance of the UN weapons inspectors".

Independent

A senior Lib Dem source accused Mr Gove of attempting to "reward Tory cronies".

BBC

The surveillance operations began in 2004 after the authority's inspector general received a complaint from a confidential source accusing the elevator division of mismanagement, the records show.

The New York Times

Indeed, one unnamed American source accused the UK of "constant accommodation" of China.

The Guardian - Business

The source accused Hill and Timothy of governing by "grudge" and claimed they were focused on a retaliation against David Cameron's government.

The Guardian

The source accused Mr Price of being "ostrich-like" and had allowed problems to plague the No campaign, such as letting inexperienced campaigners order about older colleagues, including former ministers.

Independent

Indeed, one unnamed American source accused the U.K. of "constant accommodation" of China.

Huffington Post

An article in The East Hampton Star ("Source: Accused Rapist Hid in Range Rover," 8/24/13) reported that Mr. Lee's wife, Alicia, was in New York at the time of the incident.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a source accused", ensure the source's credibility is either established or irrelevant to the point being made. Over-reliance on unnamed sources can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting information from "a source accused" as definitive fact. Always frame it as an allegation or claim, acknowledging the lack of concrete evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source accused" functions as an attribution, indicating that an unspecified individual or entity is making an accusation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source accused" is a common construction used to attribute an accusation or allegation to an unnamed source. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, serving to convey information without revealing the source's identity, with several authoritative sources using it. Alternatives like "an informant alleged" or "insiders reported" can be used depending on the context. When using this phrase, it's crucial to maintain journalistic integrity and avoid presenting the accusation as confirmed fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an informant alleged

Replaces "source" with "informant" and "accused" with "alleged", implying a formal accusation.

an insider alleged

Swaps "source" with "insider" and "accused" with "alleged", maintaining the implication of confidential information.

a person familiar with the matter claimed

Replaces "source" with a descriptive phrase and "accused" with "claimed", softening the tone.

confidential sources indicated

Emphasizes the confidentiality of the source and replaces "accused" with "indicated", suggesting but not directly stating blame.

insiders reported

Uses "insiders" instead of "a source" and replaces "accused" with "reported", indicating inside information.

anonymous sources revealed

Highlights the anonymity of the source and uses "revealed" instead of "accused", adding a sense of disclosure.

authorities suspected

Replaces "a source" with "authorities" and "accused" with "suspected", indicating a law enforcement perspective.

unnamed individuals asserted

Replaces "source" with "unnamed individuals" and "accused" with "asserted", giving a more neutral tone.

a representative stated

Uses "representative" instead of "source" and replaces "accused" with "stated", conveying a formal statement.

it was rumored that

Completely changes the structure to express an unconfirmed accusation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source accused" to introduce information attributed to an unnamed individual who is making an accusation. For example, "A source accused the company of financial mismanagement."

What are some alternatives to "a source accused"?

Alternatives include "an informant alleged", "insiders reported", or "authorities suspected" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "a source accused" or name the source directly?

Naming the source directly is generally preferable for credibility. However, "a source accused" is useful when the source requires anonymity.

What does it mean when an article says "a source accused"?

It means that the information is coming from someone who is not officially authorized to speak on the matter, and they are making an accusation or allegation. The information may not be independently verified.