[Grammar] using the word purport

[amigos]

Hi,

Would it be correct to use the word "purport" as: He purports innocence?

I usually use purport with infinitive such as "he purports to be innocent," but I have also seen the constructions as mentioned above.

thanks

 

[Route21]

As an NES but not a teacher:

Two of the dictionary definitions of "purport" are "profess" and "claim".

Both of them would work for me - "professes/claims innocence".

Regards
R21

See:
purport - definition of purport by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

 

[SoothingDave]

Be aware that "purport" carries a connotation that the person doing the "purporting" is not being truthful.