Final answer:
The phrase 'an accusation' has a more negative connotation than 'a claim', as it implies wrongdoing and carries a sense of blame, whereas a claim is a neutral statement that can be backed up with evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'an accusation' carries a more negative connotation than 'a claim'. An accusation implies that someone has done something wrong or illegal, and it often carries a sense of blame and wrongdoing. On the other hand, a claim is a neutral term that simply states a belief or argument that something is the case, with the potential to be backed up by evidence or reasoning. For instance, saying 'Protons are positively charged, and electrons are negatively charged' is a claim that can be supported with scientific evidence. Contrarily, an accusation involves asserting that someone has committed a misdeed without necessarily providing evidence upfront.