a question of blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing accountability or responsibility in a situation or event. Example: "In the aftermath of the incident, it became a question of blame, with each party trying to shift responsibility onto the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At the heart of Judge Rakoff's inquiry is a question of blame.

The New York Times

This is not a question of blame, but of recognising the importance of other factors.

The Guardian

"It's not a question of blame -- no one will be deprived of anything," she said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This isn't a question of blaming the victim.

The New York Times

If it were then a question of assigning blame rather than credit, Mr Clinton would no doubt want to increase Alan Greenspan's ample share.

The Economist

(It's strange, isn't it, that if a man is physically attacked on the streets after dark, there is never any question of blaming him or branding him irresponsible?) A recent survey in a magazine aimed at young women found that only 5% of women feel safe on the streets at night.

The Guardian

If we do stop all immigration and find all the problems we'd blamed on them haven't gone away but have in fact gotten worse, it's a question of who we blame next.

The Guardian

"With Katrina, there was a question of responsibility, and blame.

The New Yorker

It's not a question of shifting the blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

If everybody is paying "tax" for the one thing we all need, then it becomes not a question of reparations and blame games, but applying all of our money to fix the earth's life-system, the lifeboat we are all clinging to.

Huffington Post

Now it's a question of who's to blame and whether it's an isolated incident or indicative of a much deeper problem.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a question of blame” when the responsibility for an action, event, or situation is uncertain or disputed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a question of blame" can sound overly formal or accusatory in casual conversations. Consider using more informal alternatives like "who's at fault?" or "who messed up?" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of blame" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the topic of responsibility or fault in a particular situation. It sets the stage for an inquiry or discussion about who is accountable, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a question of blame" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that introduces the topic of responsibility or fault in a given situation. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its use in reporting on events where accountability is being debated, it is essential to consider more informal alternatives in casual conversations. Focusing on solutions and preventing future problems is more useful than dwelling on who is to blame.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who is to blame

A direct question seeking to identify the person or entity responsible for a problem.

assigning fault

Directly indicates the act of attributing responsibility for a negative outcome.

an issue of accountability

Focuses on the requirement to answer for one's actions, shifting the emphasis from fault to responsibility.

a matter of responsibility

Highlights the duty or obligation to handle something, rather than directly assigning fault.

determining culpability

A more formal term that directly addresses the degree of guilt or responsibility for a wrongdoing.

assessing liability

Used in legal contexts to determine legal responsibility for damages or harm.

the attribution of responsibility

A more formal way to describe the process of assigning responsibility.

pointing fingers

An informal way of describing the act of accusing someone of being responsible for something.

a search for the guilty party

Emphasizes the active investigation to find who is responsible.

locating the source of the problem

Shifts the focus from blame to identifying the origin or cause of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of blame" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of blame" to introduce a discussion about who is responsible for a negative situation. For example, "After the project failed, it became "a question of blame" among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "a question of blame"?

Alternatives include "an issue of accountability", "a matter of responsibility", or "determining culpability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to focus on solutions rather than "a question of blame"?

In many situations, focusing on solutions and preventing future issues is more productive than dwelling on "a question of blame". However, identifying responsibility can be crucial for learning from mistakes.

When is it appropriate to raise "a question of blame"?

Raising "a question of blame" is appropriate when accountability needs to be established, especially in situations involving legal or ethical violations. However, it should be approached carefully to avoid creating a hostile environment.