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Understanding Accuse in English: Mastering Usage with Prepositions and Verb Forms

The verb "Accuse" appears frequently throughout English vocabulary, yet many learners find its usage challenging. Understanding how to properly employ this verb with its corresponding preposition becomes essential for effective communication. This comprehensive guide explores the definition, usage patterns, and practical applications of Accuse in English.

Accuse in English
Accuse in English

I. What is Accuse in English?

Establishing a solid foundation requires examining both the core definition and related word forms that enhance vocabulary range.

1. Definition

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Accuse /əˈkjuːz/ functions as a transitive verb with specific meaning: to say that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind, to say that someone is responsible for a crime or for having done something wrong. For example:

  • "It wasn't his fault". "Don't worry, no one is accusing him." 

  • Tom has been accused of robbery.

What is Accuse in English?
What is Accuse in English?

2. Word Family

Understanding related forms expands communicative versatility:

Word Family 

Meaning

Example

Accuser

(noun)

a person who claims that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind

Ms.Liz was given the opportunity to face her accusers. 

Accusation

(noun)

a statement saying that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind, or the fact of accusing someone

You can't just make wild accusations like that! 

Accusing

(adjective)

suggesting that you think someone has done something bad

Mona’s accusing eyes were fixed on him. 

Accusingly

(adverb)

in an accusing way

“Edward!” she said accusingly. 

Accusatory
(adjective)

the meaning and usage are similar to Accusing but in a more formal tone.

Tommie pointed an accusatory finger in her direction. 

II. Common usages of Accuse in English

The verb "Accuse" follows predictable grammatical patterns that govern its proper application in sentences.

Structure

Example

accuse somebody of something

Richard has accused Tom of stealing his ideas. 

accuse somebody of doing something

Maria accuses her husband of cheating. 

be accused of something

The surgeon was accused of negligence. 

Analysis reveals that Accuse consistently pairs with the preposition "of," establishing the relationship between the accused party and the alleged wrongdoing. The gerund form (-ing) follows "of" rather than the infinitive form, creating proper grammatical structure.

Common usages of Accuse in English
Common usages of Accuse in English

III. Synonymous words/phrases of Accuse in English

Professional communication benefits from varied expression methods that convey similar meanings with different intensity levels.

Synonym words/phrases

Example

make an accusation against

Lisa made an accusation against her leader. 

level an accusation against

Paul levels an accusation against his competitors. 

level a charge against

Ms. Linda denied all the charges leveled against her. 

hurl accusations at

This woman hurled accusations at her ex-husband across the courtroom. 

charge someone with

Mr. Smith was charged with three counts of fraud. 

bring charges against

The employees brought charges against the manager. 

file charges against

Local journalists did not file charges. 

press charges against

His employers decided not to press charges against him. 

level/make an allegation against

You can't just make wild allegations like that. 

issue/bring/file an indictment

The judge issued an indictment against 39 top officials. 

hand down an indictment against

He must choose between issuing a report and handling out an indictment. 

return an indictment against

A grand jury returned an indictment against a woman accused of acting as a foreign government agent. 

impeached

The President was impeached by Congress for lying. 

allege

It is alleged that Nam mistreated the prisoners. 

indict

Ms. Mary was indicted on charges of corruption. 

IV. Distinguishing between Accuse and Blame

While both verbs address fault attribution, they operate in different contexts with varying implications.

Distinguishing between Accuse and Blame
Distinguishing between Accuse and Blame

Similarities: Both terms involve attributing responsibility or fault to individuals for actions or situations.

Differences:

 

Accuse 

Blame

Meaning

  • Carries formal, legal implications suggesting serious wrongdoing or criminal behavior. 

  • Creates stronger allegations.

  • Indicates general fault attribution for problems or mistakes. 

  • Suggests lighter responsibility assignment.

Usage 

Accuse has 2 common structures:

  • accuse somebody of something/doing something

  • be accused of something/doing something

Blame has 3 common structures:

  • blame somebody/something for something/for doing something

  • blame somebody/something

  • blame something on somebody/something

Example

My friend accused me of stealing his laptop. 

My grandmother blamed me for breaking the vase. 

V. Exercises on Accuse in English with answers

Applied practice reinforces theoretical understanding and develops practical usage skills for both Accuse and Blame.

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer 

  1. She ______ him of cheating on the test.

    1. Accused

    2. Blamed

  2. The police  ______ the suspect of robbery.

    1. Accused

    2. Blamed

  3. He  ______ his failure on his lack of preparation.

    1. Accused

    2. Blamed

  4. They stand  ______ of crimes against humanity.

    1. Accused

    2. Blamed

  5. Don't  ______the weather for our problems.

    1. Accuse

    2. Blame

Exercise 2: Conjugate the verbs in the sentences below

  1. Bob accused her colleague of (steal) her ideas for the project.

  2. The teacher accused the student of (cheat) on the exam and gave him a failing grade.

  3. The company was accused of (pollute) the river.

  4. David was accused of (commit) a serious crime, but there was not enough evidence to convict him.

  5. The politician was accused of (corrupt), which damaged his reputation and career.

2. Answer

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

  1. A

  2. A

  3. B

  4. A

  5. B

  1. Stealing

  2. Cheating

  3. Polluting 

  4. Committing

  5. Corrupting

Mastering the usage of Accuse in English with the preposition "of" significantly enhances English communication precision. The verb demands specific structural patterns, consistently requiring gerund forms after "of" while serving contexts involving formal allegations or serious wrongdoing claims. Regular practice with these patterns develops natural usage fluency for English learners across proficiency levels.

Chloe
Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.

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