accusing

Everyday

1. Accusing is the -ing form of «accuse»: saying someone did something wrong. tree →
2. As an adjective, an accusing look, voice or finger shows that you think someone has done something wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, an «accusing finger» or «accusing eyes» show blame without words. In everyday life and friendships, children learn not to keep accusing others without proof and to say how they feel instead. Phrases: «accusing someone of», «an accusing look», «point an accusing finger».

Examples

• Are you accusing me of eating the cake? tree →
• She gave him an accusing look. tree →
• Stop accusing your brother; it might have been the dog. tree →
• He pointed an accusing finger at the broken window. tree →
• The cat stared with accusing eyes at its empty bowl. tree →
• They kept accusing each other of cheating. tree →
• Her voice sounded accusing. tree →
• Before accusing anyone, check the facts. tree →
• What is the use of accusing him? tree →

Note

Pattern: accuse someone OF something + -ing: «accusing her of lying». Adverb: accusingly. Trap: «accusing» describes the person blaming; «accused» is the person who is blamed.