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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
allocate blame
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"allocate blame" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to assigning responsibility to someone for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "The boss had to allocate blame for the company's financial losses."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
Lord Hurd, the Conservative former foreign secretary, says the UN inspectors are not allowed to allocate blame.
News & Media
Its report did not allocate blame, for reasons that rest at the heart of everything Grayson does.
News & Media
As the battle to allocate blame develops (Fraud office called in after G4S 'overcharges' for tagging, 12 July), there are some questions to ask.
News & Media
On higher gas prices, voters are also more likely to allocate blame on oil-producing countries and oil companies than on Mr. Obama, but a majority in each state say that environmental regulations deserve some or a great deal of blame for recent increases in the cost of gasoline.
News & Media
Whether this consideration of potential punishment influences behavior during stalemates is not well understood, and little theory or evidence exists to explain how voters allocate blame for different outcomes.
The trial is intended to allocate blame and costs between the various companies involved, and to determine the degree of negligence involved - something that will determine the total amount of costs that must be paid.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
41 human-written examples
It stopped short of allocating blame to individuals.
News & Media
Allocating blame for civilian casualties has proved difficult in the past.
News & Media
Actually, it was because his actions could be seen as bad, in such a delicate area – the way in which society allocates blame – that people have always allocated blame on her rather than him".
News & Media
"Content" today Itsmotherswork concludes: I'm not "allocating blame" - although you are free to do so if you want to.
News & Media
Avoiding future disasters means allocating blame accurately; and most of it lies with bad policy, not with greedy bankers.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Be specific about who or what is being blamed and for what reason to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "allocate blame" in overly broad or general terms. Always specify the actions or inactions for which blame is being assigned to maintain clarity and fairness.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "allocate blame" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of assigning responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
1%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "allocate blame" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the assignment of responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing. As supported by Ludwig, it's prevalent in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific and provide sufficient evidence to support the attribution of responsibility. Alternatives such as "assign responsibility" or "apportion fault" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. However, as noted in writing guidance, overgeneralizing the application of blame should be avoided to maintain clarity and fairness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
assign responsibility
Focuses on assigning a general duty rather than specifically fault.
apportion fault
Implies a more careful and measured distribution of blame.
fix responsibility
Highlights the act of definitively establishing who is responsible.
determine culpability
Emphasizes establishing legal or moral guilt.
lay the blame
A more direct and forceful way of saying who is at fault.
pin the blame
Suggests a more forceful attribution of blame, often in a negative context.
attribute fault
Focuses on identifying the cause of an error or failure.
impute responsibility
A more formal way of assigning blame or responsibility.
cast blame
Suggests a somewhat accusatory or negative way of assigning blame.
level accusations
Shifts the focus to the act of accusing someone of wrongdoing.
FAQs
What does "allocate blame" mean?
The phrase "allocate blame" means to assign responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing. It involves identifying who or what is responsible for a negative outcome.
How can I use "allocate blame" in a sentence?
You can use "allocate blame" in sentences like, "The investigation sought to allocate blame for the accident" or "It's important to allocate blame fairly based on the evidence".
What are some alternatives to "allocate blame"?
Alternatives to "allocate blame" include "assign responsibility", "apportion fault", or "determine culpability". The best alternative depends on the specific context.
Is it always appropriate to "allocate blame"?
No, it is not always appropriate. Allocating blame should be done judiciously and with careful consideration of the facts. In some situations, focusing on solutions rather than blame may be more productive.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested