grave allegation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave allegation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or severe accusation against someone or something. Example: "The politician faced a grave allegation of corruption that could jeopardize his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

No hard evidence is offered to support this grave allegation.

The New York Times

The grave allegation concerned the use, by American soldiers when they recaptured the rebel town of Fallujah last year, of white phosphorus.

The Economist

He makes the grave allegation that the best economists in inter-war Europe were forced into exile as they supported Keynesian ideas of combating a recession/depression.

The Guardian - Opinion

A VILE discovery and a grave allegation apparently backed up by hideous photographic evidence have made the United States look hypocritical in its promotion of democracy and human rights in the Middle East.

The Economist

Mr Dyke, the director-general, failed to read a transcript of Mr Gilligan's report, even though it made a "very grave allegation", for a month after it went out.

The Economist

"He still wants to maintain the truth of the very, very grave allegation he made and the only way, in the teeth of an opinion like that, they can get vindication in the public arena is to pursue this.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was clearly influenced by the seriousness of the allegations, the strength of international condemnation of torture and rendition, and a concern that unless the English courts took jurisdiction, the very grave allegations would go uninvestigated and the alleged victims would be left without recourse or remedy.

The Guardian

During confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court justice, grave allegations were made against Mr Kavanaugh.

The Times

They too cannot now answer the grave allegations made against them".

The Guardian

SThe shadow defence secretary, Jim Murphy, said: "These are grave allegations that have to be fully investigated.

The Guardian

You say that there are still some grave allegations, some doubts hanging over his role in the 2002 riots.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave allegation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the seriousness and potential consequences of the accusation. Provide sufficient evidence or context to support the gravity of the allegation.

Common error

Avoid using "grave allegation" for minor or unsubstantiated claims. Ensure the allegation warrants the serious connotation implied by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave allegation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As shown in Ludwig, it often appears in contexts where serious accusations are being discussed, highlighting their weighty nature. It describes an accusation of serious misconduct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave allegation" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious or severe accusation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. Given its connotation, "grave allegation" should be employed carefully, reserved for accusations of significant consequence. Alternative phrases like "serious accusation" or "severe charge" can be used depending on the nuance one wishes to convey. When wielding this expression, one must also ensure that sufficient evidence is available to back the weight of the accusation. Therefore, "grave allegation" suggests formality and caution, demanding careful contextual consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious accusation

Emphasizes the severity and importance of the accusation being made.

severe charge

Highlights the formal aspect of the allegation, often implying a legal context.

weighty accusation

Focuses on the burden and impact of the allegation.

significant claim

Indicates the noteworthiness and potential consequences of the allegation.

substantial charge

Suggests that the allegation is based on considerable evidence or grounds.

major accusation

Underscores the scale and importance of the accusation.

critical assertion

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the assertion.

damning claim

Emphasizes the potentially ruinous effect of the claim if proven true.

dire assertion

Suggests a sense of urgency and impending negative consequences associated with the assertion.

grievous charge

Focuses on the painful and damaging nature of the charge.

FAQs

How is "grave allegation" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "grave allegation" is used to describe serious accusations that have significant consequences. For instance, "The politician faced a grave allegation of corruption."

What's a good alternative to "grave allegation" that still conveys seriousness?

You could use alternatives like "serious accusation" or "severe charge" to convey the gravity of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "grave allegation" versus a simpler term like "accusation"?

"Grave allegation" should be reserved for situations where the accusation is extremely serious and has significant potential ramifications, unlike a simple "accusation" which can apply to less severe situations.

What are the potential consequences of making a "grave allegation" without sufficient evidence?

Making a "grave allegation" without evidence can lead to legal repercussions, damage to one's reputation, and a loss of credibility. It's essential to have substantial grounds before making such claims.