Alege or Allege: The Correct Spellings

The term "alege" is a misspelling and does not hold any meaning in the English language. The proper term "allege" has been used for centuries, with its roots tracing back to Middle English. It originates from the Latin word "allegare," meaning to send or to allege, which was used in legal contexts.

There are other forms of the word "allege," including "alleged" (past tense), "allegedly" (adverb), and "alleging" (present participle). To remember how to spell "allege," you might consider breaking it down into sounds: [uh-LEJ], focusing on the double 'l' and ending with 'e' to emphasize the soft 'g' sound. Think of the double 'l' as two people standing side by side, both supporting an assertion, just as the word suggests.

The confusion between "alege" and "allege" is common, but only "allege" is the correct spelling. "Allege" means to assert without proof, or to declare in a legal context before proof has been provided. It is an action often associated with formal accusations.

Incorrect: Without proof, to alege such a thing would be irresponsible.

Correct: Without proof, to allege such a thing would be irresponsible.

Incorrect: Can you alege that the agreement was broken?

Correct: Can you allege that the agreement was broken?

Incorrect: He could not alege anything without evidence.

Correct: He could not allege anything without evidence.

Incorrect: The lawyer had to alege her client's innocence.

Correct: The lawyer had to allege her client's innocence.

Incorrect: They were quick to alege fraud in the transaction.

Correct: They were quick to allege fraud in the transaction.

Allege often refers to making an accusation without necessarily being able to substantiate it.

Allege is also used in legal contexts when presenting a preliminary statement of charges.

To allege is to claim that something is true without offering proof.

Allege can mean to assert formally as a fact.

In everyday language, allege can indicate a less formal assertion that may be subject to verification.

Critics allege that the study's results are not reliable.

The neighbors allege that the property is being used for illegal activities.

Prosecutors allege he was the mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme.

Several customers allege that the software they purchased does not work as advertised.

Environmental groups allege that the chemical plant is polluting the river.

Critics allege that the policy will only benefit the wealthy.

To assert that improper behavior has taken place, often in a professional context.

To assert that deception, especially criminal deception, has occurred.

It refers to the formal accusation or claim made in a court of law.

To claim that prejudice influenced a decision or action.

To claim that a secret plan exists among a group to do something unlawful or harmful.

To claim that a failure to take proper care in doing something has occurred.

The origin of "allege" is from the Latin word "allegare," meaning to send or to declare, which entered English through Old French.

"Allege" is a verb; it is an action word that indicates the act of asserting a claim or accusation.

Yes, "allege" can be used in the passive voice. For example: "It was alleged that the company was at fault."

In legal terms, "allege" refers to stating something as a fact but without providing proof at the time of the statement, typically used in the context of formal accusations or charges.

The past tense form of "allege" is "alleged."

Yes, synonyms for "allege" include assert, claim, declare, contend, and maintain.

Yes, "allege" can be used in any context where someone is asserting a claim or accusation without immediate proof.

No, "allege" does not imply the truth or falsity of the statement, only that it has not been proved at the time it is made.

The noun form related to "allege" is "allegation," referring to the assertion or claim itself.