cannot be accused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be accused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not liable to be blamed or held responsible for a particular action or situation. Example: "In this case, the defendant cannot be accused of any wrongdoing, as there is no evidence to support the claims against them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He cannot be accused of complacency.

The Economist

He cannot be accused, much less investigated".

The New York Times

Investors cannot be accused of acting irrationally.

The Guardian - Business

MR. MARSHALL cannot be accused of that.

The New York Times

The president and Congress cannot be accused of indifference.

The Washington Post

The book, though, cannot be accused of cruelty.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Werba cannot be accused of skimping on details.

The New York Times - Arts

But he cannot be accused of inconsistency of attitude.

The New York Times

That is something Phillips cannot be accused of.

The Guardian - Sport

His new two-parter cannot be accused of lacking ambition.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So we cannot be accused of bio-piracy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly outlines the reason why the person or entity should not be blamed, providing supporting evidence or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be accused" when there is partial evidence or a minor fault. The phrase suggests a complete absence of blame, so ensure this accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be accused" functions as a declarative expression, stating the absence of grounds for accusation. Based on Ludwig AI, it serves to negate the possibility of blame or responsibility being attributed to a subject. Examples show its versatility across contexts where innocence or lack of culpability needs emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be accused" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the absence of blame or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in contexts where exoneration or defense is required. With very common occurrence in News & Media, the phrase presents a neutral register, making it suitable for various professional and objective settings. Related phrases like ""cannot be blamed"" or ""cannot be held responsible"" offer subtle alternatives to express similar notions with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be blamed

This alternative directly replaces "accused" with "blamed", focusing on the absence of fault or responsibility. It's more direct and commonly used.

cannot be held responsible

This phrase emphasizes a lack of accountability. It shifts the focus from accusation to the legal or moral obligation to answer for something.

cannot be faulted

Focuses on the absence of a mistake or defect, implying that the person's actions were correct or unavoidable.

cannot be impugned

This alternative suggests that the person's integrity or reputation remains untarnished, meaning that there is no valid criticism.

cannot be reproached

This phrase highlights the impossibility of finding fault or expressing disapproval with someone's actions.

is beyond reproach

This implies that someone's conduct or character is so exemplary that they are above any criticism or blame.

is not culpable

Indicates that someone is not deserving of blame or punishment for a particular action or offense, emphasizing lack of guilt.

is not liable

This legal term indicates that the person is not legally responsible for damages or losses, often used in insurance or contract contexts.

is exempt from blame

Highlights that someone is specifically excused or excluded from being blamed, often due to special circumstances.

is cleared of suspicion

Suggests that prior doubts or accusations have been dismissed, implying that the person is no longer under scrutiny.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "cannot be accused" of something?

Saying someone "cannot be accused" of something means they should not be blamed or held responsible for a specific action or situation. It suggests a lack of evidence or justification for placing blame on them.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be accused"?

Use "cannot be accused" when you want to assert that someone is entirely free from blame. Ensure the context clearly explains why there's no valid reason to hold them responsible.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be accused"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be blamed", "cannot be held responsible", or "cannot be faulted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cannot be accused" and "cannot be blamed"?

While similar, "cannot be accused" often implies a formal charge or suspicion, while "cannot be blamed" is more general, referring to any instance of placing fault. Both suggest a lack of valid reason for assigning responsibility.