accusations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accusations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to claims or allegations made against someone, typically in a legal or confrontational context. Example: "The accusations made against the defendant were thoroughly investigated by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referring to the accusations that she had "played the gender card" by calling out sexism, she said her position as the first female incumbent "does not explain everything about my prime ministership and does not explain nothing about my prime ministership".

The Guardian

On top of his wife battling cancer, Gerry Adams now faces serious accusations from a former comrade over the McConville killing as well as claims that he played a major role in Bloody Friday, a series of bomb blasts across Belfast in July 1972 that left nine dead and dozens injured.

The Guardian

There have been regular incidents involving Serbian clubs in European competition and in December 2012 England's under-21 match ended in chaos with players being attacked on the pitch amid accusations of racism.

The Guardian - Sport

Iran's judicial authorities have previously denied accusations of juvenile executions, but according to HRW, the country has executed at least 10 juvenile offenders since 2009.

The Guardian

This has led to accusations of cover-ups and manipulation.

The Guardian

So, here were two snapshots about sexual assault: one showing that, while false rape accusations are relatively rare, rape denial still remains rife, even among some police – the very people who hold the key to any kind of justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a brief period it attempted to head off accusations of sexism by featuring a semi-naked "Page 7 fella".

The Guardian

There is a lot at stake for Sinn Féin this weekend, though, besides trying to still appear edgy and revolutionary in order to fend off accusations of reformism and sell-out.

The Guardian

For all the accusations flying to and fro, very few flickers of hope might be identified.

The Guardian - Opinion

The action against Gazprom is ongoing, with the company taking no action regarding the accusations to date.

The Guardian

The accusations that the report has been buried will also infuriate the UK's EU partners and could make the job of renegotiating this country's terms of membership far more difficult for Cameron, if he wins the election, as it will be known in other European capitals that the London civil service believes there is no real case for repatriating powers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "accusations" to refer to formal or informal claims of wrongdoing before a formal charge has been made. Once a charge is officially filed, consider using "charges" or "indictments" for greater precision.

Common error

While "accusations" is a valid term, it carries a formal weight. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using less severe terms like "claims" or "allegations" to avoid sounding overly dramatic or accusatory.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accusations" is as a plural noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to claims or charges of wrongdoing, as seen in the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accusations" is a plural noun referring to claims of wrongdoing, commonly used in neutral contexts such as news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "allegations" or "charges" for nuance. Avoid overusing "accusations" in informal settings to maintain appropriate tone. Be mindful of the distinction between accusations and proven facts, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allegations

Focuses on unproven assertions, often used interchangeably with "accusations" but can imply less certainty.

charges

Implies a formal accusation, often in a legal context.

indictments

Specifically refers to formal legal accusations brought by a grand jury.

claims

A broader term, referring to assertions of fact, which may or may not involve wrongdoing.

recriminations

Highlights mutual or retaliatory accusations.

denunciations

Highlights the act of publicly condemning someone or something.

complaints

Formal expressions of dissatisfaction or grievance.

imputations

Suggests attributing something negative to someone.

assertions

Emphasizes the act of stating something as fact, regardless of proof.

contentions

Focuses on arguments or points of disagreement.

FAQs

What's the difference between "accusations" and "allegations"?

"Accusations" implies a direct charge or claim of wrongdoing, while "allegations" refers to unproven statements that may or may not be true. Accusations are often more direct and can be made publicly, whereas allegations can be more speculative.

How do I use "accusations" correctly in a sentence?

Use "accusations" as a noun, typically followed by "of" and the specific offense, or in phrases like "facing accusations" or "denying accusations". For example: "He faced "accusations" of fraud" or "She denied the "accusations" made against her".

Are "accusations" always related to legal matters?

While "accusations" are often associated with legal contexts, they can also refer to non-legal claims of wrongdoing or fault in various situations, such as professional misconduct or ethical breaches.

What are some synonyms for "accusations" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "claims", "charges", "allegations", "indictments", or "denunciations" to vary your language and maintain clarity.