claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "claim" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an assertion, particularly one made in an argument, that is presented as being true, though it may or may not be accurate. For example, you might write, "The president made the claim that taxes had been cut, though no evidence was provided to support this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Invisible Children has good access to international media but they have no connection with the community they claim to represent".

The Guardian

It was also reported that Darling "flipped" the location of his second home four times in four years, allowing him to claim thousands of pounds towards the cost of his Edinburgh home and a London flat.

The Guardian

In a speech setting out the government package to deter so-called benefit tourism, Cameron will say EU migrants can only continue to claim jobseekers allowance if they have been continuously actively seeking work and have a realistic imminent prospect of finding a job.

The Guardian

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

Japan's claim to commercial whaling as a cultural expression is surely a shaky one, since it only began large-scale whaling in the 20th century – but it was taught to them by European whalers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public authorities can't just claim things "might" happen.

The Guardian

It claimed our credit rating was at risk, a claim it may yet regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

Douglas Vinter would never claim to be a good man.

The Guardian

Amid criticisms that £10m to £20m was relatively small figure on which to make such a major policy announcement – the NHS budget is more than £100bn a year – the health secretary disputed the No 10 claim.

The Guardian

Whether the action's beneficiaries in the streets below appreciated the reference to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling was not recorded, but in a press release, activists did claim that a woman who had been trying to collect money for a bus ride was able to pay her fare with the free money.

The Guardian - Opinion

10 February: Activists claim rockets are hitting Baba Amr at the rate of one every three minutes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "claim", ensure you provide context or supporting evidence, especially in formal writing. Vague claims can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting opinions as facts when using "claim". Always differentiate between subjective beliefs and verifiable truths to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "claim" functions as both a verb, denoting the act of asserting something as true, and as a noun, referring to the assertion itself. As evidenced by Ludwig, the verb form is frequently used to introduce statements that may require further validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "claim" is a versatile word that functions as both a verb and a noun, widely used to assert statements of fact or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and prevalent across various contexts, especially in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific publications. While frequently used, it's important to ensure that claims are supported by evidence to maintain credibility. To avoid overstatement without proof, consider using alternatives like "suggest", "assert", or "allege" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. The word demonstrates neutral formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert

Implies a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

allege

Suggests stating something as a fact without definitive proof.

maintain

Indicates persistently asserting something, often against opposition.

contend

Implies arguing for a particular point of view or position.

profess

Suggests openly declaring a feeling or belief.

state

Refers to declaring something clearly and directly.

declare

Suggests making something known formally or officially.

aver

Implies stating something confidently as true.

attest

Suggests providing evidence to confirm something.

testify

Implies giving evidence or a formal statement.

FAQs

How can I use "claim" effectively in a sentence?

Use "claim" to introduce a statement of fact or belief, often one that is open to debate. For instance, "The study "claims that" exercise improves cognitive function".

What are some alternatives to the word "claim"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assert", "allege", or "maintain". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Which is correct: "claim that" or "claim something"?

Both are correct. "Claim that" introduces a clause (e.g., "He "claimed that" he was innocent"), while "claim something" uses a noun phrase as the object (e.g., "She "claimed responsibility"").

What's the difference between "claim" and "suggest"?

"Claim" implies a more direct and forceful statement, while "suggest" is more tentative. You "claim responsibility", but evidence "suggests that" something is true.