Especially when reporting on crime and courts, it's hard to use the word allegedly enough. At the time accusations are made, they are alleged; that is, thaey have yet to be proven in a court of law.
So, it's important that we properly attribute things as being alleged.
For example, it's not alleged that Timothy Keel entered the store. He has a face full of broken bones proving he was there. And it's not a crime to get your ass kicked (though it may be a crime to do the ass-kicking).
What is alleged is whether he pulled a knife, and tried to commit a crime.
So, where does allegedly fit in here?
DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and exposed a knife.
Before "exposed a knife," right? Like this:
DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and allegedly exposed a knife.
When something is being alleged, do use allegedly. And when in doubt, be safe and use allegedly.
So, it's important that we properly attribute things as being alleged.
For example, it's not alleged that Timothy Keel entered the store. He has a face full of broken bones proving he was there. And it's not a crime to get your ass kicked (though it may be a crime to do the ass-kicking).
What is alleged is whether he pulled a knife, and tried to commit a crime.
So, where does allegedly fit in here?
DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and exposed a knife.
Before "exposed a knife," right? Like this:
DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and allegedly exposed a knife.
When something is being alleged, do use allegedly. And when in doubt, be safe and use allegedly.
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