were charged with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were charged with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime or offense. Example: "The suspects were charged with theft and conspiracy after the investigation revealed their involvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were charged with perjury.

The New York Times

Two policemen were charged with involuntary manslaughter.

The Economist

Seven more were charged with lesser offenses.

The New York Times

Only four were charged with an offence.

The Economist

Innkeepers were charged with the same liability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three policemen were charged with perjury.

Independent

Both were charged with the December robberies.

The New York Times

Six Greenpeace members were charged with misdemeanours.

Independent

They were charged with rioting.

The Washington Post

The students were charged with criminal trespass.

The Guardian

They were charged with promoting gambling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were charged with", ensure clarity regarding the specific charges being brought against the individual or group. Specify the crime or offense for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "were charged with" when active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "the suspects were charged with theft", consider "the police charged the suspects with theft".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were charged with" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a formal accusation of a crime or offense. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in conveying legal actions. It highlights that individuals or entities have been officially accused by an authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were charged with" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime or offense. According to Ludwig, it is frequently employed in legal and news contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, primarily serving the purpose of reporting on legal proceedings. While "were charged with" accurately conveys formal accusations, consider alternatives like "were indicted for" or "were accused of" to finely tune the meaning. Remember to specify the charges for clarity and avoid using the passive voice when active voice would be more effective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were formally accused of

Emphasizes the official nature of the accusation.

were brought up on charges of

This phrase suggests the charges were formally presented.

were indicted for

This phrase specifically refers to the act of being formally accused by a grand jury.

were prosecuted for

This indicates that legal proceedings have begun against the person.

were accused of

This is a more general term for being blamed for something, which may or may not involve formal charges.

were formally blamed for

Highlights the act of assigning blame in an official manner.

faced accusations of

This phrase focuses on the accusations themselves, rather than the formal charging process.

were held accountable for

This implies responsibility and potential consequences.

were booked on suspicion of

This is a police term indicating someone was arrested and formally processed.

were summoned for

This implies that a legal summons has been issued.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is "were charged with" a crime?

Being "were charged with" a crime means that law enforcement or a prosecuting body has formally accused someone of committing a specific offense. This is a preliminary step in the legal process, and the person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

What's the difference between "were accused of" and "were charged with"?

"Were accused of" simply means someone is suspected of wrongdoing, while "were charged with" implies a formal legal accusation has been made by authorities.

What are some alternatives to "were charged with"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "were indicted for", "were accused of", or "faced accusations of".

How should I use "were charged with" in a sentence?

Use "were charged with" to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a specific crime or offense. For example: "The suspects were charged with robbery and assault."