ascribe blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascribe blame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assign blame or responsibility for something. For example: "Rather than ascribing blame, we should focus on finding a solution for the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Their report, the first independent on-the-ground inquest into that attack, did not ascribe blame.

The New York Times

It's not an attempt to ascribe blame, but rather an act of advocacy.

The Guardian

Much more difficult is to ascribe blame or to decide on a way forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Britain, inquests are held to establish the cause of unusual deaths and do not generally ascribe blame.

The New York Times

For that reason, it could be difficult for a new review to ascribe blame to individual commanders.

The New York Times

This is not to say that educators are blameless, but if one wanted to ascribe blame, one would have to start far higher up the chain of command.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He ascribed blame for "acquiescence" to individuals rather than the church as an institution.

The New York Times

The vice-president instead ascribed blame to "a culture that promotes passivity".

The Guardian

By ascribing blame the way they have, Democrats and the left are exploiting personal and national tragedy for political gain.

The New York Times

As forceful as he was in ascribing blame, Mr. Babbitt was equally strong in saying that the federal government would accept full blame for the wildfire.

The New York Times

"Officials are very concerned because they see what's coming," Rubio, who ascribed blame for political inaction to both parties, told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ascribe blame", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being blamed and the reason for the attribution. Be specific and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid ascribing blame without sufficient evidence or understanding of the situation. Ensure that the attribution is based on facts and not assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascribe blame" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of assigning responsibility or fault for a particular event or situation. It directly relates to the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used in contexts ranging from political analysis to accident investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascribe blame" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to assign responsibility or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, scientific reports, and academic discussions. Alternatives like "attribute blame" or "lay blame" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "ascribe blame", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is being blamed and that the attribution is based on credible evidence, to avoid overgeneralizations or unfounded accusations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impute blame

Focuses on attributing blame, often suggesting an accusation or assumption.

Attribute blame

Emphasizes assigning blame based on perceived cause or connection.

Assign blame

Highlights the act of officially or clearly allocating blame.

Lay blame

Suggests placing blame directly on someone or something.

Apportion blame

Implies distributing blame among multiple parties or factors.

Allocate blame

Focuses on formally distributing blame, similar to apportion but may imply a more structured process.

Fix blame

Highlights the definitive assignment of blame, implying certainty.

Pin blame

Suggests directly attaching the blame to a specific person or thing.

Cast blame

Emphasizes the act of directing blame, often implying a public or formal accusation.

Point the finger

Focuses on the act of accusing someone or something, highlighting the direction of blame.

FAQs

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

You can use "ascribe blame" to indicate assigning responsibility for something, as in "The report did not "ascribe blame" for the accident to any specific individual".

What are some alternatives to "ascribe blame"?

Alternatives include "attribute blame", "assign blame", or "lay blame", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it better to "ascribe blame" or "seek understanding" in a conflict?

While ascribing blame may be necessary in some situations, focusing on seeking understanding and finding solutions is often more productive in resolving conflicts and fostering positive outcomes.

What is the difference between "ascribe blame" and "take responsibility"?

"Ascribe blame" involves assigning fault to someone else, while "take responsibility" involves accepting accountability for one's own actions or the actions of a group one leads.