was accused

USAGE SUMMARY

"was accused" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is the past tense form of the verb "accuse" and can be used in various contexts. Example 1: She was accused of stealing money from the company. Example 2: The politician was accused of corruption by the opposition party. Example 3: The athlete was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs. Example 4: He was falsely accused of committing the crime and later proven innocent. Example 5: The teacher was accused of favoritism by some students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

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 was accused of espionage.

Independent

He was accused of being co-opted.

The New York Times

Richard P. Robinson, jeweller's clerk, was accused.

The New Yorker

O'Brien was accused of punching someone.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1079 Stanislaus was accused of treason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was accused of terrible things.

The New York Times

He was accused of faulty reasoning.

The New York Times

Lieutenant Becker was accused of the crime.

The New York Times

Mr. Gantt was accused of falsifying documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was accused", ensure the context clearly identifies who made the accusation and, if possible, provide details about the nature of the accusation. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was accused" excessively without specifying the accuser. Over-reliance on the passive voice can make your writing vague and less impactful. Whenever possible, identify the source of the accusation for a stronger and more transparent statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was accused" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something received an accusation. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was accused" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to report that someone has faced allegations. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and academic contexts, indicating its wide applicability. While "was accused" is generally neutral, the surrounding context can adjust its formality. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the accuser and the nature of the accusation. Keep in mind potential alternatives like "faced accusations" or "was charged with" for subtle differences in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms that "was accused" is a valid and frequently employed expression, making it a useful tool in conveying information about allegations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was charged with

Focuses on the legal aspect, indicating a formal charge by authorities.

faced accusations

Emphasizes the confrontation and challenge implied by the accusations.

had allegations leveled against

Emphasizes the direct and forceful nature of the accusations.

was alleged to have

Highlights the unproven nature of the claim, implying doubt or speculation.

was implicated in

Suggests involvement in something, often a crime, without directly stating guilt.

stood accused of

More formal and emphasizes the act of being formally charged.

drew allegations of

Highlights the action of attracting the accusations.

came under suspicion for

Implies a less direct accusation, focusing on the presence of suspicion.

was denounced for

Suggests a strong public condemnation and accusation.

was pointed at as

Indicates a public or informal designation as someone at fault.

FAQs

How is "was accused" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was accused" indicates that someone faced allegations, as in, "He "was accused" of stealing company funds."

What's the difference between "was accused" and "was charged"?

"Was accused" implies allegations, while "was charged" means formal legal charges were filed. You can be accused without being formally charged, and charging requires legal procedures.

What can I say instead of "was accused"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, use alternatives like "faced accusations", "was alleged to have", or "stood accused of".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "accuse"?

While both are correct, active voice (e.g., "The police accused him") is more direct. Passive voice ("He "was accused" by the police") can be useful when the accuser is unknown or less important than the accused.