alleging
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal, even though it is not yet proven.
asserting as a matter of fact that something is the case, typically a wrongdoing or crime, before formal proof has been established.
Simple“The newspaper is alleging that the politician took money from the company.”
In context“The prosecution is alleging that the defendant systematically falsified financial records over a three-year period to evade corporate taxes.”
UsageOften used in the present participle form ('alleging') in news reports to avoid legal liability before a court verdict.
Teacher's tipThis is a high-frequency word in journalism and legal contexts; it allows a speaker to report an accusation without stating it as an absolute fact.
PitfallThey are alleging him for the crime. They are alleging that he committed the crime.The verb 'allege' usually takes a 'that' clause or a direct object representing the action, not the person being accused.
“Earlier that year, others had also sent tips to police alleging he was “grooming minors”.”
“Four states are suing the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the platforms were designed to hook kids and that Meta hid the mental health risks.”