Charges: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal or formal contexts when someone is officially accused of a crime.

• He is facing multiple charges of theft
• The charges were dropped due to lack of evidence

Used in both formal and informal settings when someone is blamed for doing something wrong or illegal, but it hasn't been formally filed as a charge.

• The accusation that she cheated on the exam caused a lot of stress
• Without evidence, the accusation won't hold up in court

Typically used in a serious context, often legal or formal, to denote an unproven claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal. It carries a slightly negative connotation due to the gravity of the claim.

• The allegations of fraud were shocking
• Several allegations were made against the politician

Specifically used in legal contexts. It indicates that a person has been formally accused of a serious crime by a grand jury.

• The grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect
• He was arrested following the indictment for embezzlement

Often used to refer to costs applied for specific services or penalties, such as in a legal or financial context.

• The lawyer explained the charges for the consultation
• He was worried about the extra charges on his credit card

Typically used for fixed charges for services or privileges, such as memberships, registrations, or professional services.

• The university charges high tuition fees
• There is an annual membership fee for the club

Used to denote the price or value of something, generally more neutral and encompassing broader situations.

• The cost of the trip was higher than expected
• We need to calculate the cost of new equipment

Refers to amounts of money spent on items or services, often in a business or personal finance context.

• We need to track all our business expenses for tax purposes
• His monthly expenses are quite high

As mentioned earlier, this refers to formal legal declarations against someone. It is usually seen in contexts involving official legal documents or court proceedings.

• The prosecutor filed charges against the defendant.
• Multiple charges were brought against the individual.

Commonly used in everyday language. It means to say that someone has done something wrong or illegal, but in general, it does not imply formal legal action.

• She accused him of lying.
• They accused the company of cheating customers.

Used when something is claimed without necessarily having proof. It is frequently used in news reports and official statements. It often carries a neutral or slightly skeptical tone.

• The report alleges that the company has been polluting the river.
• He is alleged to have stolen the funds.

Specifically refers to the formal action taken by a grand jury to charge someone with a crime in the legal system of some countries. It is used almost exclusively in legal contexts.

• The grand jury decided to indict him for embezzlement.
• She was indicted on charges of conspiracy.