What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allege
Example
The witness alleged that he saw the suspect at the scene of the crime. [alleged: past participle]
Example
She alleges that the company discriminated against her because of her age. [alleges: verb]
assert
Example
He asserted that he was innocent of the crime. [asserted: past tense]
Example
She confidently asserted that the company's profits would increase next year. [asserted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assert is more commonly used than allege in everyday language. Assert is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while allege is less common and often used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allege and assert?
Both allege and assert can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, assert is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
