My fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my fault" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used as a short and informal way to take responsibility for a mistake or error. Example: "I'm sorry, it was my fault that we missed the meeting. I got the time wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"My fault.

The New York Times

— My fault, Mishazzo said.

The New Yorker

My fault, he was saying, my fault.

The New York Times - Magazine

My fault, probably.

The Guardian - Books

Always, always my fault.

The New York Times

"Totally my fault.

Independent

Is my fault.

The New Yorker

Therefore, it's my fault.

The New Yorker

So it's my fault".

The New York Times

It was my fault.

The New York Times - Sports

That was my fault".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "My fault" to directly and concisely accept responsibility for an error or mistake. It's best suited for informal settings or when you want to be direct and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "My fault" is clear, avoid using it in highly formal or professional situations where a more detailed explanation or a more formal apology might be expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My fault" functions as a concise admission of responsibility. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it's used to directly acknowledge an error or mistake.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My fault" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to directly acknowledge responsibility for an error or mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media contexts, and it's generally considered appropriate for neutral to informal settings. While concise and effective, consider using more formal alternatives in professional contexts or when a more detailed explanation is required. Remember to use it genuinely and follow up with appropriate action to rectify the situation. Related phrases offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I take responsibility

More formal and direct than "My fault", emphasizing accountability.

I am to blame

A more emphatic and self-accusatory way of admitting fault.

It was my mistake

Focuses on the action being a mistake, rather than direct culpability.

I messed up

Informal and indicates a blunder or error.

I was wrong

Directly acknowledges an error in judgment or action.

The error was mine

Formal; places the blame on the speaker without explicitly claiming responsibility.

I slipped up

Implies a minor error or oversight.

I own that

Acknowledges responsibility, particularly for a mistake or misjudgment, but can also signify agreement with an idea.

I apologize

Expresses regret and takes responsibility, but emphasizes the apology aspect more than the fault itself.

I am responsible

Highlights the obligation to answer for something rather than guilt for an accident.

FAQs

How can I use "My fault" in a sentence?

"My fault" is typically used as a standalone statement to acknowledge responsibility. For example, after spilling coffee, you might say, "Oops, "my fault", I'll clean that up."

What's the difference between saying "My fault" and "I'm sorry"?

"My fault" directly admits responsibility, while "I'm sorry" expresses regret. You can use both together for a more complete apology, such as, "My fault, I'm sorry for the mistake".

Is it ever inappropriate to say "My fault"?

In situations requiring a detailed explanation or where the consequences are severe, simply saying "My fault" might seem dismissive. Provide more context and a sincere apology in such cases.

What are some more formal alternatives to "My fault"?

In professional or formal settings, consider using phrases like "I take full responsibility", "I apologize for the error", or "I am to blame".