He was at fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "He was at fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was clear that he was at fault for the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He was at fault, it's true.

The Guardian - Sport

He was at fault for Germany's first goal.

The New York Times - Sports

He was at fault again for Dortmund's third goal, another classic sucker punch featuring telepathic interplay from Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski.

The Guardian - Sport

He was at fault for Cristiano Ronaldo's goal for Real Madrid in the first leg of the last-16 match earlier in the tournament but recovered to produce top-class saves both in that leg and in the Bernabéu.

The Guardian - Sport

He was at fault for Swansea's second and third goals, first allowing Stephen Kingsley too much time and space to play in a cross that Ayew thumped past Darren Randolph from close range on 31 minutesand then being turned and beaten too easily by Modou Barrow shortly after half-time, allowing the Swansea winger to put in a delivery that Ki swept home from near the penalty spot.

The Guardian - Sport

He was at fault for Spurs' fourth on Sunday and has made more mistakes leading to goals than any goalkeeper since his Liverpool debut in August 2013.

BBC

Fitzgerald initially resisted the idea that he was at fault.

The New Yorker

He came close to admitting he was at fault for not fulfilling his camp obligations.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He knew that he was at fault, and he knew from the guest's angry expression that she knew he was at fault.

SEP

Why did the waiter say that he was at fault?

SEP

Then on account of his announcement, the waiter knows that the guest knows that he knows he was at fault.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "He was at fault" when you want to clearly state someone's responsibility for an error or wrongdoing. It's direct and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions (e.g., "Mistakes were made") when it's clear who was at fault. Be direct and use "He was at fault" to maintain accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "He was at fault" functions as a declarative statement asserting responsibility or blame. It directly assigns accountability to a specific individual. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "He was at fault" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for assigning blame or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While direct and clear, it's important to consider the context when using it to avoid unnecessary harshness. Alternatives like "He is responsible" or "He erred" may offer a softer tone. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, this phrase is a straightforward way to assert accountability in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He is the one at fault

Adds emphasis by specifying "the one" at fault.

He is to blame

Changes the verb and preposition while maintaining the core meaning of culpability.

He is responsible

Emphasizes accountability instead of explicit fault.

He bears the responsibility

Emphasizes the burden of accountability.

He is culpable

A more formal term for being deserving of blame.

He carries the blame

Suggests that he is actively carrying or enduring the consequence of the mistake.

He erred

A more concise way of saying he made a mistake that led to a problem.

He made the error

Focuses on the action of making a mistake.

The mistake was his

Rephrases to highlight possession of the mistake.

He is the guilty party

More direct and accusatory, suggesting a legal or moral transgression.

FAQs

How can I use "He was at fault" in a sentence?

You can use "He was at fault" to clearly assign blame or responsibility for a mistake or error. For example, "After reviewing the data, it was determined that "he was at fault" for the accounting error".

What are some alternatives to "He was at fault"?

Some alternatives include "he is to blame", "he is responsible", or "he erred". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "He was at fault" or "It was his fault"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "He was at fault" focuses on the person's responsibility, while "It was his fault" focuses on the mistake itself. Choose the phrasing that best fits the overall sentence structure.

What does it mean when someone says "He was at fault"?

Saying "He was at fault" means that someone is considered responsible or to blame for a mistake, error, accident, or negative outcome. It directly assigns accountability to that person.