at fault for this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at fault for this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when assigning blame or responsibility for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was clear that the company was at fault for this incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Both Democrats and Republicans are at fault for this apparent abdication of responsibility.

The New York Times

But censors weren't at fault for this – it was Ubisoft's choice.

The Guardian - Tech

It might be claimed, for instance, that the housekeeper failed to knock loudly enough, hence the hotel is at fault for this terrible embarrassment.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the public is at fault for this catastrophe in Afghanistan, where more than 1,000 G.I.'s have now lost their lives.

The New York Times

It's impossible for anyone Mr Malik, the media, or outside experts to know exactly who or what is at fault for this crash before the plane's black boxes are examined and a full, professional investigation is completed.

The Economist

The credits are partly at fault for this misconception — it was rare for directors to get screen credit for their contributions to a script — but it's also a result of the comparison of the run-of-the-mill to the exceptional, the mediocre to the artistic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Authorities first said the tennis star was "at fault" for the deadly car accident.

HuffPost

It is not clear who is at fault for "The Mullets," but this UPN show may someday be held responsible for driving the mullet into extinction.

The New York Times - Arts

This will help to establish who was at fault for the accident.

WikiHow

This line is also warning ad networks, who are often at fault for these deceptive behaviors.

TechCrunch

He was not at fault for the other two goals.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning blame, ensure you have clear evidence and avoid making assumptions. Use "at fault for this" when you want to specifically indicate responsibility for a particular situation or outcome.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at fault for this" can sound accusatory in professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "responsible for this" or "accountable for this situation" in business communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at fault for this" functions as a prepositional phrase used to assign blame or responsibility for a specific situation. It directly indicates who or what is considered accountable for an undesirable outcome. Ludwig confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at fault for this" is a prepositional phrase used to assign blame or responsibility for a specific situation. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and serves the purpose of identifying who or what is accountable for an undesirable outcome. While versatile, it's advisable to consider alternatives like "responsible for this" in more formal settings to avoid sounding overly accusatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsible for this

Replaces the phrase with a more direct and common synonym.

to blame for this

Offers a simpler and more direct alternative to express culpability.

accountable for this situation

Emphasizes the responsibility and obligation to answer for the issue.

culpable in this matter

Uses a more formal tone to indicate guilt or responsibility.

liable for this

Suggests legal responsibility or obligation related to the issue.

answerable for this

Indicates an obligation to explain or justify the situation.

the reason for this

Shifts the focus to identifying the cause rather than assigning blame.

the cause of this

Focuses on identifying the origin or source of the problem.

at the root of this problem

Highlights the underlying cause or fundamental issue.

in charge of this

Implies a position of authority and therefore responsibility.

FAQs

What does "at fault for this" mean?

The phrase "at fault for this" means to be responsible or to blame for something that has gone wrong or caused a problem. It indicates culpability in a specific situation.

What can I say instead of "at fault for this"?

You can use alternatives like "responsible for this", "to blame for this", or "culpable in this matter" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at fault for this" or "responsible for this"?

Both "at fault for this" and "responsible for this" are correct. "At fault" often implies blame, while "responsible" can be more neutral, indicating a duty or obligation.

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

You can use "at fault for this" to assign blame for a particular event. For example: "After reviewing the evidence, the company was at fault for this incident". Avoid using it in situations where neutrality is required.