allege

Everyday

To allege something is to say it is true, especially that someone did something wrong, without proving it yet. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news and law: «police allege», «it is alleged that». The adjective «alleged» shows that a claim has not been proved: «the alleged thief». It teaches pupils that an accusation is not proof.

Examples

• The newspaper alleges that the mayor broke the rules. tree →
• The boy alleged that his sister had taken his sweets. tree →
• Police allege the man stole a car. tree →
• It is alleged that the money went missing. tree →
• The alleged thief said he was innocent. tree →
• She alleged she had seen a ghost, but nobody believed her. tree →
• The accused merchant saw by this time that his condemnation was certain, and tried to allege something in his defence. tree →

Note

Pronounced a-LEDGE. Spelling trap: no «d» before the «g» — «allege», not «alledge». A person is innocent until proved guilty; «alleged» reminds us of that. Noun: «allegation».