accused of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'accused of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has been charged with or suspected of a crime or other wrongdoing. For example: "The defendant was accused of embezzlement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was accused of shoplifting.

Independent

"I was accused of plagiarism.

Independent

He is accused of perjury.

Independent

I've been accused of cheating.

The New York Times - Science

He was accused of espionage.

Independent

Kassar has been accused of similar plots.

The New Yorker

Celtel was never accused of corruption.

The New Yorker

He was accused of being co-opted.

The New York Times

He was not accused of any wrongdoing.

The New York Times

The army is still accused of abuses.

The Economist

Ugandan forces are accused of torturing civilians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accused of", ensure you have a reliable source for the accusation, especially in journalistic or formal writing. Mentioning the source protects you from potential libel.

Common error

Avoid implying guilt when using "accused of". The phrase indicates an allegation, not a proven fact. Always maintain a neutral tone until a verdict is reached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accused of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone is the subject of an accusation. Ludwig AI shows its correct usage involves linking a person or entity with a specific charge or wrongdoing. The phrase sets the stage for further details about the alleged offense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accused of" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone is facing allegations of wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, most frequently in news and media to report on legal and ethical matters. When using this phrase, remember that it conveys an accusation, not a conviction, and it is recommended to cite your source to avoid the implication of guilt and protect from libel. Related phrases include "charged with", "alleged to have", and "suspected of", each with slightly different connotations. Remember to maintain a neutral tone and avoid implying guilt when using "accused of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accused of committing

This alternative more explicitly states the act that the person is accused of.

Charged with

This alternative is more direct and legalistic, implying formal charges have been filed.

Indicted for

This alternative specifies that a formal indictment has been issued, a legal term.

Alleged to have

This alternative emphasizes the claim is still unproven and under investigation.

Facing allegations of

This alternative highlights the formal nature of the accusations and the challenge they present.

Suspected of

This alternative suggests a lower degree of certainty and is used when there's suspicion but not necessarily formal accusation.

Under suspicion for

This alternative emphasizes the state of being suspected, highlighting the ongoing investigation.

Implicated in

This alternative suggests involvement in something, possibly indirectly or unwillingly.

Blamed for

This alternative assigns responsibility for something negative, though not necessarily illegal.

Falsely accused of

This alternative adds the dimension of the accuracy of the accusation. It implies that the accusation is wrong and inaccurate.

FAQs

How to use "accused of" in a sentence?

Use "accused of" to indicate that someone is being charged with or suspected of doing something wrong, as in "He was "accused of fraud"".

What's the difference between "accused of" and "convicted of"?

"Accused of" means someone is alleged to have committed a crime or wrongdoing, while "convicted of" means they have been found guilty in a court of law. A person "accused of" something is not necessarily guilty.

What can I say instead of "accused of"?

You can use alternatives like "charged with", "alleged to have", or "suspected of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "accused of" in formal writing?

Yes, "accused of" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in legal, journalistic, and academic contexts, as long as it's used accurately and without implying guilt before a verdict is reached.