a source of blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin or reason for blame in a situation or context. Example: "The lack of communication was identified as a source of blame for the project's failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And, in the judiciary, he has a source of blame for why his way was right from the beginning".

The New Yorker

But they said it was meant to put the onus on President Fidel Castro of Cuba, who, they said, had used the hardships inflicted by the embargo to gain international sympathy and as a source of blame for problems on the island.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These messages can easily become a source of self-blame when we're not able to live up to the cultural ideal.

HuffPost

The lack of female writers – a hot topic this week after Variety received backlash for planning a writers' panel with 11 men and one woman – also came up as a potential source of blame for the lack of abortion portrayals on the small screen.

Los Angeles Times

In the tradition of a state where tough weather and self-sufficiency are a source of pride, few blamed the government for their decisions.

The New York Times

It's always just one or two rogue individuals, states or institutions that emerge as the unique source of blame for an entire system's failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've already made the somewhat subtle point that beneath the welter of conflicting views lurked the desire to locate some source of blame — including the family — in an effort to cope with the terrifying randomness of a child dying under such circumstances.

Los Angeles Times

You and your spouse serve as the source of blame for everything not going right in their life, even their own bad behavior.

WikiHow

Although the Federal Reserve's rate hikes have been a source of ire for President Trump, who has blamed the central bank and Powell for raising rates too quickly and disrupting the stock market, most economists in the NABE endorse the Fed's actions.

The Washington Post

A hundred years later, the Fed is still a source of controversy and derision from some quarters, blamed by its detractors for creating asset bubbles and inflation, but applauded by its supporters, who claim, for example, that without its massive interventions the crisis of 2008-9 would have been much worse.

HuffPost

Very often they blamed themselves for being a source of infection.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of blame", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blamed and why. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "a source of blame" can sound accusatory in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "area of concern" or "reason for the issue" to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of blame" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies what or who is considered responsible or culpable for a particular situation or outcome. The phrase indicates the origin of responsibility or fault, often in contexts where something has gone wrong.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of blame" is a noun phrase used to identify the origin or cause of responsibility for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts such as news, wiki articles, and scientific publications. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blamed and why to avoid ambiguity. In more formal settings, consider more neutral alternatives to avoid sounding accusatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for culpability

Focuses on the rationale behind the blame, emphasizing the justification.

origin of responsibility

Highlights where the accountability stems from, shifting focus to responsibility rather than blame.

cause of reproach

Emphasizes the reason for expressing disapproval or criticism.

root of the problem

Identifies the fundamental issue leading to blame.

basis for criticism

Underscores the grounds on which criticism is founded.

reason for condemnation

Highlights the justification for severe disapproval.

impetus for accusation

Emphasizes what drives the act of accusing someone.

grounds for censure

Focuses on the formal expression of disapproval.

culprit

A single word to describe the entity to blame

the reason why someone is being blamed

A longer and more verbose expression to convey the same meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of blame" to indicate the origin or cause of someone's or something's culpability. For example, "The lack of funding was a significant source of blame for the project's failure."

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

Alternatives include "reason for culpability", "origin of responsibility", or "cause of reproach", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a source of blame" too accusatory for professional communication?

In some professional contexts, "a source of blame" may be perceived as accusatory. Consider using more neutral phrases like "area of concern" or "reason for the issue" to maintain a more diplomatic tone.

What's the difference between "a source of blame" and "the root of the problem"?

"A source of blame" specifically relates to who or what is considered responsible for a negative outcome, while "the root of the problem" refers to the underlying cause, which may not directly involve blame.