In AP Style, the word “accused” should be used with the preposition “of” rather than “with” when referring to someone charged with a crime. This ensures accuracy and clarity in legal and journalistic writing.
The word accused is used to refer a group of people or a person who is on trial for a crime.
The reason that I am coming up with this word is that most of the people use the word ‘accused’, for the people who are on trial, in a wrong way. There is a guideline that you can follow if you want your writing to be error-free.
According to AP Style, you have to write ‘accused of’ instead of ‘accused with’. A person is accused of a crime, not with a crime.
Accused of = Correct
Accused with = Wrong
For example,
1. He is accused of doing something wrong that is not acceptable at any cost.
2. The police arrested him because he was accused of the murder of an innocent boy.
Furthermore, you cannot write for a person as an ‘accused slayer’. The correct phrase would be ‘accused of the slaying’.
For example,
• Accused slayer Smith Johnson. (Wrong)
• Smith Johnson, who was accused of slaying… (Correct)
Common Mistakes with the Term “Accused”
In AP Style, using the word “accused” correctly is essential to maintaining clarity and accuracy, especially in legal contexts. Here are some common mistakes writers make when using the term “accused” and how to avoid them:
Using the Incorrect Preposition (“Accused with” vs. “Accused of”)
One of the most common mistakes is using the preposition “with” instead of “of.” In AP style, you should always use “accused of” when referring to the crime or offense a person is charged with.
Example of Incorrect Usage: He was accused with stealing the car.
Correct Usage: He was accused of stealing the car.
Misusing the Term “Accused” as a Noun
It’s also incorrect to use “accused” as a noun to describe a person charged with a crime, without further clarification. Instead, use a phrase like “the person accused of [crime]” to avoid confusion.
Example of Incorrect Usage: The accused is being held without bail.
Correct Usage:The person accused of the crime is being held without bail.
Using “Accused” for Someone Not Officially Charged
The term “accused” should only be used for someone who has been officially charged or alleged to have committed a crime. It is not appropriate to refer to someone as “accused” before any formal legal process has begun.
Example of Incorrect Usage:The suspect, who was merely questioned by police, was already considered the accused.
Correct Usage: The suspect, who was merely questioned by police, has not yet been formally accused of a crime.
Incorrectly Labeling a Person as “Accused of a Crime” Without Clarifying the Charge
Sometimes writers omit crucial information when referencing someone “accused” of a crime. It’s important to specify the exact crime they are accused of for clarity.
Example of Incorrect Usage: He is the accused.
Correct Usage: He is the person accused of embezzling company funds.
What Did You Learn?
Key points included the importance of using the correct preposition, “accused of” (not “accused with”), avoiding the term “accused” as a standalone noun without clarification, ensuring that a person is officially charged before referring to them as “accused,” and always specifying the crime when using the term.