are to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
Depending on the context, this phrase could be used to indicate that a particular person or group is responsible for a negative consequence or outcome. For example: "The poor results of the experiment are to blame for the delay in the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several factors are to blame.

The Economist

House prices are to blame.

The Economist

All are to blame.

The Guardian

We are to blame.

The Guardian

US roof-crush tests are to blame.

Independent

Accountants, rather than banks, are to blame.

The New York Times

Restrictions on private enterprise are to blame.

The Economist

You, yes you, are to blame.

The Economist

Both sides are to blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

American parents are to blame.

The Guardian - Music

The perpetrators are to blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are to blame", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is being held responsible and the specific outcome they are linked to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are to blame" without specific evidence or justification. Vague accusations can undermine your credibility and create unnecessary conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to blame" functions as a predicate nominative phrase, identifying the subject as the entity responsible for a specific negative outcome. It ascribes fault or culpability to the subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to blame" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to assign responsibility for negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register is generally neutral but can vary based on context. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly identify the responsible party and the specific outcome to avoid ambiguity. While direct and informative, one should consider alternative phrases like "are responsible for" or "are accountable for" in more formal or sensitive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are responsible for

Directly assigns accountability, focusing on who holds the burden of responsibility.

are at fault for

Emphasizes error or negligence as the reason for the negative outcome.

are the cause of

Highlights the action or entity that initiated or produced the problem.

are accountable for

Stresses the obligation to answer for the consequences.

are the reason for

Pinpoints the explicit rationale or explanation behind the result.

are liable for

Indicates a legal or financial obligation for the damages or issues.

bear responsibility for

Suggests a formal or weighty acceptance of the duties and consequences.

should be held responsible

Implicates moral or ethical expectations for conduct and outcomes.

must answer for

Highlights the need to explain and justify actions or inactions.

are culpable for

Implies guilt or blameworthiness in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "are to blame" in a sentence?

You can use "are to blame" to assign responsibility for a negative outcome, as in "Poor planning and lack of resources "are to blame" for the project's failure".

What's a less accusatory way to say "are to blame"?

Instead of "are to blame", you could say "are responsible for" or "contributed to" to soften the tone, depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "are to blame" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are to blame" can sound accusatory. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral phrase like "are accountable for" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is correct: "is to blame" or "are to blame"?

Use "is to blame" when referring to a singular subject (e.g., "The manager is to blame") and "are to blame" when referring to plural subjects (e.g., "The employees are to blame").