allege
gb/əlˈɛd͡ʒ/ us/əlˈɛd͡ʒ/
B2
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
B2
action
1
claim something without proof
To say that something is true, usually without proof.
Usage pattern:
to allege that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'allege' with 'accuse'; 'accuse' means to say someone did something wrong, often directly to them, while 'allege' is more formal and used especially in reports without proof.
Synonyms
claim (More general and common in everyday speech; can be neutral or informal.)
|
assert (More formal; often suggests confidence or firmness.)
Antonyms
prove (Opposite because it involves showing evidence that something is true.)
Collocations
allege wrongdoing
|allege misconduct
|allege fraud
|allege discrimination
Themes
law
|communication
|media
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report alleges that the company misled its investors.
- Several witnesses allege that they saw the suspect near the scene.
- He is alleged to have taken part in the robbery.
- The article alleges corruption at the highest levels of government.
- They allege that the policy violates human rights.
Learner examples
- The news story alleges that the mayor took money.
- She alleges that her boss was unfair to her.
- The lawyer alleges that the contract is not legal.
- They allege that the shop sold unsafe food.
Grammar
Dictionary form
allege
IPA
GB/əlˈɛd͡ʒ/
US/əlˈɛd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
al - lege (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lege)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: allege
- 3rd Person Singular: alleges
- Present Participle: alleging
- Past: alleged
Word family
Forms
alleges
verb
alleging
verb
alleged
verb
Core family
allegation
noun B2
allegedly
adverb C1
Expressions
be alleged to
1/bˈi əlˈɛd͡ʒd tə/
fixed phrase
formal
said without proof to have done
Used to say that someone is said, without proof, to have done something.
Examples
- The minister is alleged to have accepted bribes.
- She is alleged to be involved in the scandal.