it was accused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was accused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has been charged with wrongdoing or blame in a passive construction. Example: "In the report, it was accused of negligence in handling the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nike has removed a balaclava from its website after it was accused of "targeting gang culture for profit".

BBC

(The public network was also criticized for some of its post-earthquake coverage, when it was accused of going too soft on the government).

The New York Times

Last year, Facebook fired its team responsible for "trending" topics after it was accused of being biased against conservatives.

The Guardian - Tech

It was accused of being almost wicked in its awfulness".

The Guardian

It was accused of deploying "mafia" tactics in its purchase of the farmland by Melvyn Bragg, a native of Cumbria.

The Guardian

Facebook also ruffled feathers when it was accused of suppressing conservative trends in its Trending Topics, though the company's investigation found no evidence of concerted censorship.

TechCrunch

It was accused of being too populist.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was accused of being an intelligence gatherer.

The New York Times

It was accused of two incidents of possible contamination.

The New York Times

It was accused of violating arms export laws.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was accused by the US of being part of the events that led to the burning of the US consulate in Benghazi in September 2012.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was accused", ensure that the accusation is clear and substantiated. Provide context about who made the accusation and the basis for it.

Common error

Avoid using "it was accused" without specifying who made the accusation. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the statement's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was accused" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has received an accusation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrasing is correct and standard. It's commonly used to report allegations without specifying the accuser, often in legal or journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was accused" is a versatile passive construction used to report accusations or allegations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its prevalence across news media, encyclopedias, and wikis indicates its wide applicability. While grammatically straightforward, clarity regarding the accuser is crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives such as "it faced allegations" or "it was charged with" based on the specific context and desired emphasis. Be mindful of the potential for ambiguity and ensure the accusation is clearly presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was charged with

Emphasizes the formal accusation, typically in a legal context.

it faced allegations

Focuses on the act of facing allegations, a more direct alternative.

it stood accused of

Adds a sense of formality and gravity to the accusation.

it was alleged to have

Highlights the uncertainty of the accusation with 'alleged'.

allegations were made against it

Shifts the focus to the allegations themselves rather than the act of accusing.

it was suspected of

Implies a less formal accusation, more of a suspicion.

it drew accusations of

Focuses on the act of attracting accusations, rather than directly being accused.

it was blamed for

Suggests culpability or responsibility for something negative.

it came under fire for

Conveys a sense of strong criticism or attack, often public.

it had been impugned

Signifies that it has been criticized or challenged.

FAQs

How can I use "it was accused" in a sentence?

Use "it was accused" to indicate that something or someone has been charged with wrongdoing. For example, "The company "it was accused" of fraud by the authorities".

What can I say instead of "it was accused"?

Alternatives include "it was charged with", "it faced allegations", or "allegations were made against it", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it was accused" or "it was charged"?

"It was accused" suggests an allegation has been made, while "it was charged" implies a formal legal charge. "It was charged" is more specific and often carries more weight.

What's the difference between "it was accused of" and "it was suspected of"?

"It was accused of" suggests a more definitive claim of wrongdoing, whereas "it was suspected of" indicates a lower level of certainty, implying a belief or conjecture without concrete evidence.