were alleged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were alleged" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing claims or accusations that have been made about someone or something, typically in a legal or formal context. Example: The defendants were alleged to have committed fraud. Alternative expressions include "were claimed" and "were asserted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Russian spies were alleged to dwell among them.

The Guardian

Pro-Leung demonstrators were alleged to have been paid 250 Hong Kong dollars (£20) to attend.

The Guardian

"The truth is that the offences were alleged to have happened after Martin's documentary.

The Guardian

Some were alleged by the defence team to have suborned witnesses.

The Guardian

The case against them centred on statements they were alleged to have given to the police.

The Guardian

Two of them were alleged to have travelled on fake British and Irish passports.

The Guardian

JP Morgan and HSBC were alleged to be "willfully" blind to Madoff's fraud.

The Guardian - Business

The article also stated that 18 Chinese workers were alleged to be working on Bangka illegally.

The Guardian

Up to seven other patients were alleged to have also been in the same area.

Independent

Some Russian officers were alleged to have sold their own conscripts to the rebels.

The Economist

In 2004 there were alleged coup attempts against him, but loyalist forces prevailed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "were alleged" with an infinitive phrase (e.g., "were alleged to have committed") to describe the action in question.

Common error

Do not use "were alleged" when referring to events that have been legally proven or are undisputed facts. Using it in these cases can inadvertently suggest doubt where none exists and may confuse the reader about the status of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were alleged" functions as a passive voice verb construction. As noted in Ludwig AI, it allows the writer to attribute an action or characteristic to a subject without taking personal responsibility for the truth of the statement. Grammatically, it often serves as the main verb of a clause, frequently followed by a 'to-infinitive' (e.g., "were alleged to be").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were alleged" is a highly effective linguistic tool for maintaining objectivity in professional writing. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it is exceptionally common in journalistic and legal contexts, appearing in over 50 examples from top-tier sources. By using this passive construction, writers can report on sensitive topics or unproven accusations with the necessary level of detachment. While it is similar to "were purported" or "were claimed", it is specifically valued for its legal neutrality. To use it correctly, ensure it is followed by an appropriate infinitive phrase and reserved for claims that have not yet been established as factual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were purported

Suggests that something is claimed to be true, often with a subtle hint of skepticism or doubt.

were claimed

A more direct synonym that indicates an assertion has been made without providing immediate proof.

were suspected

Focuses on the suspicion of an action or identity rather than a formal legal accusation.

were reported

Shifts the focus to the act of dissemination by a third party or media outlet.

were said

A more informal, common way to introduce hearsay or widespread beliefs.

were asserted

Implies a more confident or forceful claim than the neutral "alleged".

were accused

Specific to contexts where a formal charge or direct blame is being leveled against someone.

were thought

Indicates a general belief or opinion at a specific time, rather than a formal claim.

were charged

A legalistic term used when formal proceedings have actually begun, whereas "alleged" can precede this.

were presumed

Suggests a belief based on probability or a legal starting point (like the presumption of innocence).

FAQs

How do I use "were alleged" in a sentence?

You use it as a passive construction to distance yourself from a claim. For example: "The suspects "were alleged" to have been involved in the theft."

What is the difference between "were alleged" and "allegedly"?

Both serve to distance the writer from a claim. "Were alleged" is a verb phrase requiring a subject, while "allegedly" is an adverb that can modify the entire sentence or a specific verb.

Can I say "were claimed" instead of "were alleged"?

Yes, "were claimed" is a very close synonym and often interchangeable, though "alleged" carries a more formal or legalistic tone.

Is "were alleged" formal or informal?

It is a neutral to formal phrase. It is most frequently found in "journalistic writing" and legal documents, making it very appropriate for professional contexts.