accusation of wrongdoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accusation of wrongdoing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a claim or assertion that someone has done something wrong or illegal. Example: "The politician faced an accusation of wrongdoing after the investigation revealed questionable financial practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A retrial increases the financial and emotional burden that any criminal trial represents for the accused, prolongs the period of the unresolved accusation of wrongdoing, and enhances the risk that an innocent defendant may be convicted.

Cornell University

To use the judicial process for a formal accusation of wrongdoing, and then short-circuit that process before the accused can tell his side, would be a travesty of justice.

The New York Times

There has been no accusation of wrongdoing against Mr. DiCarmine.

The New York Times

Ferguson, the Wake Forest coach, is on administrative leave while he fights the accusation of wrongdoing.

The Washington Post

The letter asked the regulators for financial records on those groups, including Holy Land, but made no accusation of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Fairly or not, this contributed to doubts about the family's motives, although there was no accusation of wrongdoing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He accused losing candidates of spreading accusations of wrongdoing against him.

The New York Times

Each denies all accusations of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

He has denied all accusations of wrongdoing.

The New York Times - Sports

In court filings, the prosecutors have denied accusations of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

In the past, NDS has prevailed after accusations of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accusation of wrongdoing", ensure you can substantiate the claim with evidence or credible sources to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "accusation of wrongdoing" when the situation involves minor infractions or unintentional errors; reserve it for serious breaches of conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accusation of wrongdoing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a claim or charge against someone, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showing its use in contexts related to legal and ethical violations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accusation of wrongdoing" is a noun phrase denoting a formal or informal charge against someone. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its usage spans primarily across news and media, academia and formal business contexts. It is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the seriousness of alleged ethical or legal violations. While alternatives like "charge of misconduct" or "allegation of impropriety" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure accuracy and verifiability to prevent misrepresentation or legal complications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charge of misconduct

Replaces "wrongdoing" with the more general term "misconduct", implying a breach of rules or ethical standards.

allegation of impropriety

Uses "impropriety" to suggest morally questionable behavior, shifting the focus from legal breaches to ethical concerns.

claim of malfeasance

Employs the formal term "malfeasance" indicating official misconduct or illegal acts, often in a professional context.

charge of corruption

Specifies "corruption" indicating dishonest or fraudulent conduct, typically involving bribery or abuse of power.

indictment for illegal activity

Refers to a formal "indictment", implying legal proceedings have begun due to alleged illegal acts.

accusation of ethical violation

Highlights the breach of ethical standards rather than legal statutes, focusing on principles and moral codes.

allegation of fraud

Specifically indicates "fraud", involving deception or misrepresentation for personal gain.

charge of negligence

Focuses on "negligence", suggesting a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or damage.

claim of abuse of power

Highlights the misuse of authority or position, indicating an improper use of influence.

allegation of criminal behavior

Broadly refers to "criminal behavior", covering a wide range of unlawful actions.

FAQs

How can I use "accusation of wrongdoing" in a sentence?

You can use "accusation of wrongdoing" to describe a formal or informal charge against someone. For instance, "The company faced an "accusation of wrongdoing" after the audit revealed financial irregularities."

What phrases are similar to "accusation of wrongdoing"?

Similar phrases include "charge of misconduct", "allegation of impropriety", or "claim of malfeasance", depending on the specific context and nature of the alleged offense.

Is there a difference between "accusation of wrongdoing" and "allegation of wrongdoing"?

While both terms are similar, "accusation" suggests a more direct or formal charge, whereas "allegation" implies an assertion without definitive proof. An allegation of wrongdoing may precede a formal "accusation of wrongdoing" if further investigation confirms the claims.

When is it appropriate to use the term "accusation of wrongdoing"?

Use "accusation of wrongdoing" when referring to claims of serious ethical or legal violations, such as fraud, corruption, or professional misconduct. It is most fitting when the claim has some basis in evidence or formal complaint.