a scapegoat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scapegoat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person or group that is unfairly blamed for problems or negative outcomes. Example: "In the aftermath of the scandal, the CEO became a scapegoat for the company's failures, even though many factors contributed to the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It needs a scapegoat.

The Economist

"I feel like a scapegoat".

The New Yorker

You always have a scapegoat".

The New York Times

They want a scapegoat.

The Guardian

Forever seeking a scapegoat.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone loves a scapegoat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some wanted an explanation, others a scapegoat.

The New York Times

Joseph was using him as a scapegoat.

The New York Times - Health

"Why should Özil be a scapegoat?

Independent

"I, in some ways, became a scapegoat".

The New York Times - Sports

He is only a scapegoat".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair this phrase with verbs like "cast", "seek", "become" or "find" to describe the process of blame-shifting accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "a scapegoat" to describe someone who is actually responsible for a problem. A scapegoat must, by definition, be someone who bears the blame for others' faults. If the person is actually guilty, use words like "culprit" or "offender" instead.

How to use

Learn how to use "a scapegoat" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

"a scapegoat" is a count noun phrase consisting of the indefinite article and a common noun. In sentences, it typically acts as a direct object following transitive verbs like "needs" or "finds", or as a subject complement following the verb "to be". Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard English expression for redirected blame.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a scapegoat" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote an individual or group unfairly burdened with the blame for others' mistakes. Ludwig AI and extensive search data reveal that the phrase is a staple in investigative journalism and political commentary, often used to expose the act of protecting powerful entities by sacrificing subordinates. Whether you choose to use it or an alternative like "fall guy" or "sacrificial lamb", it remains a vital term for describing social and institutional dynamics of blame and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall guy

more colloquial and common in crime or business contexts

whipping boy

stresses the role of someone who is punished for the mistakes of others

sacrificial lamb

adds a metaphorical or religious connotation of innocence

patsy

carries a stronger implication of being easily tricked or manipulated

punching bag

emphasizes being the target of repeated verbal or emotional attacks

easy target

focuses on the vulnerability of the person being blamed

stooge

suggests a person who is used as a tool by more powerful individuals

front man

describes someone who takes the blame to protect those behind the scenes

casualty of blame

a more literal and formal way to describe the result of being blamed

dupe

emphasizes the person's ignorance of how they are being used

FAQs

How do I use "a scapegoat" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone unfairly blamed, such as: "The manager was made "a scapegoat" for the company's financial losses".

What is the difference between "a scapegoat" and a "fall guy"?

While both refer to someone taking the blame, "fall guy" is more informal and often used in detective fiction or news, whereas "a scapegoat" has broader applications in sociology, religion and politics.

Can I say "the scapegoat" instead of "a scapegoat"?

Yes, use "the" when referring to a specific person who has already been identified as the one bearing the blame, and "a" when speaking generally about the need for one.

Is "a scapegoat" always a person?

No, an entire group, organization or even an inanimate object like "technology" can serve as "a scapegoat" for social or economic problems.