at fault

USAGE SUMMARY

'at fault' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that has gone wrong or been done wrongly, and you are implying that someone is responsible for the mistake or error. For example: "The broken window was found to be at fault for letting in the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Adams was at fault.

The New York Times - Sports

They're all at fault.

The New York Times

He's not at fault".

The New York Times - Sports

Who's at fault here?

The New York Times

Someone is at fault.

The New York Times - Arts

I am at fault.

The New York Times - Arts

Who is at fault?

The New Yorker

Both sides are at fault.

The New York Times

Were family genes at fault?

The New York Times - Health

Were we at fault?

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Miss Decker was at fault.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning blame, use "at fault" to clearly indicate who is responsible for a mistake or error. Always provide context and evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "at fault" without proper investigation or understanding of the situation. Prematurely assigning blame can damage relationships and hinder problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at fault" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate responsibility or culpability for something negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at fault" is a common and grammatically sound way to assign blame or responsibility for an error or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usability in English. As shown by the examples provided, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. When using "at fault", ensure you have a clear understanding of the situation and can support your assertion with evidence to avoid misattributing responsibility. Related phrases like "responsible", "culpable", and "to blame" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to blame

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of stating that someone is responsible for something negative.

blameworthy

This alternative directly points out that someone or something deserves to be blamed.

guilty

This alternative denotes a strong sense of responsibility and wrongdoing, often in a legal or moral context.

responsible

This alternative emphasizes the accountability aspect of being "at fault".

accountable

This alternative highlights the obligation to answer for one's actions or omissions.

culpable

This alternative suggests a stronger degree of blameworthiness than "at fault".

answerable

This alternative emphasizes the obligation to explain or justify one's actions.

in the wrong

This alternative focuses on the idea of acting incorrectly or against established rules.

liable

This alternative often implies legal responsibility for damages or losses.

reprehensible

This alternative suggests that the actions are deserving of criticism and condemnation.

FAQs

How do I use "at fault" in a sentence?

You can use "at fault" to indicate who is responsible for an error. For example, "The driver was "to blame" for the accident" or "The system error was "due to" a software malfunction".

What are some alternatives to saying "at fault"?

Alternatives to "at fault" include "responsible", "culpable", "to blame", and "in the wrong", each carrying slightly different nuances of responsibility.

Is it correct to say "the fault is at someone" instead of "someone is at fault"?

While the meaning is similar, "someone is at fault" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "The fault is at someone" sounds awkward and is rarely used.

What's the difference between "at fault" and "responsible"?

"At fault" specifically implies blame for an error or wrongdoing, while "responsible" simply means accountable or in charge. You can be "responsible" for something without being "at fault" if nothing went wrong.