accept blame

USAGE SUMMARY

"accept blame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to acknowledge or take responsibility for one's actions or mistakes. Example: "The CEO decided to accept blame for the company's financial losses and resigned from his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Cheney doesn't accept blame for missteps.

The New York Times - Arts

The resolution did not accept blame for the killings.

The Economist

If not, he will accept blame for the mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

Does he accept blame from at least 1946?

The New York Times

"There's been a reluctance to accept blame by everyone in the Afghan government," the official said.

The New York Times

No one seems to accept blame for the disrepair or responsibility to fix the system.

The New York Times

Owners, of course, never accept blame (see George Steinbrenner), so it can't be Angelos.

The New York Times

The United Nations has refused to accept blame, though the evidence of its peacekeepers' recklessness is overwhelming.

The New York Times

Bratton doesn't accept blame for the stop-and-frisk explosion that blew up after he moved on from his first stint as NYPD commissioner from 1994 until 1996.

The Guardian

But no one was killed in the Asoh crash, and it remains to be seen whether anyone will accept blame for the tragedy of Asiana 214.

The Economist

When I was heading an office here, invariably it was the Japanese staff in my team who were quickest to accept blame for real or imagined failings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "take responsibility" or "acknowledge fault" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "accept blame" when the responsibility is ambiguous or shared. Clearly define who is accepting the blame and for what specific actions to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept blame" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "accept" is the main verb indicating the action of taking or acknowledging, and "blame" is the noun representing the responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept blame" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the acknowledgement of responsibility for a fault or mistake. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, showcasing its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "take responsibility" or "shoulder the blame" offer alternative expressions, "accept blame" directly conveys the act of admitting fault. The best practice involves ensuring clarity in attributing the blame to specific actions to avoid misinterpretations. Overall, understanding the appropriate context and nuances of "accept blame" allows for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

Indicates a broader acceptance of duty or obligation, rather than specific fault.

shoulder the blame

Implies bearing the burden of responsibility, often for someone else's actions.

admit fault

Directly acknowledges an error or wrongdoing.

own up to

An informal way of admitting responsibility.

take the rap

Suggests accepting punishment or consequences, often unfairly.

face the music

Implies confronting the negative consequences of one's actions.

bear the responsibility

Highlights the duty to manage the consequences of an action.

acknowledge culpability

A formal way of admitting guilt or fault.

be held accountable

Focuses on being answerable for one's actions.

take ownership

Emphasizes personal responsibility and control over a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "accept blame" in a sentence?

You can use "accept blame" to indicate someone is taking responsibility for a mistake or error, as in "The manager decided to "accept blame" for the project's failure".

What is a more formal way to say "accept blame"?

More formal alternatives to "accept blame" include "take responsibility" or "acknowledge culpability", which are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is there a difference between "accept blame" and "shoulder the blame"?

"Accept blame" generally means admitting fault, while "shoulder the blame" implies taking on the responsibility, even if you aren't entirely at fault.

What are some situations where someone might "accept blame"?

Someone might "accept blame" after a project failure, a mistake in judgment, or when they are the leader of a team where something went wrong.