attach blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attach blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of assigning responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing to someone or something. Example: "In the aftermath of the incident, the manager was quick to attach blame to the team for the oversight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Nor should the concept be used to attach blame to those who are not coping.

The Guardian

It wasn't about race, but grotty theft, and Levi David Addai's fine script eschews any attempt to attach blame to Britain, to racism, to Peckham.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The elections in March, which Tsvangirai won by almost forty-eight per cent to Mugabe's forty-three (forcing a runoff, since neither candidate achieved an absolute majority), were a shock to Mugabe and his supporters, and led to a rush to attach blame.

The New Yorker

I have many favourite Margaret moments: "Edinburgh isn't what it used to be", on hearing that blatherer Michael Sophocles attended university there; showing up Alex "I'm only 24" Wotherspoon by saying "You stepped so far back from it you were practically out of the room", when he tried to attach blame to a fellow team member for a failed task.

The Guardian

We have a low tolerance for extended uncertainty and a desire to attach blame for our suffering.

Huffington Post

The 1928 accident inquiry did not attach blame to the Southern Railway for track maintenance or locomotive performance issues, and noted that the prototype had run for eight years over the same stretch of line without complaint.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But he also attaches blame to many third-world governments for not undertaking domestic reform.

The Guardian - Books

These conditions existed well before the beginning of this decade, and that is why President Obama and the Democrats are circumspect in attaching blame.

The New York Times

Ben-Gurion stepped down as prime minister in June 1963, angered by the results of a review of the decade-old Lavon affair that had not, in his view, attached blame adequately to those responsible for that failed and illegal operation.

Britannica

So far they have attached blame to Ms Skripal's mother-in-law, Theresa May, and a drone, among others.

BBC

This wasn't a traditional public inquiry aimed at analysing causes, interrogating the views and counter-views of those involved, attaching blame and devising recommendations for the future.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone when using "attach blame"; it can sound accusatory. If a neutral or empathetic tone is desired, alternatives like "assess responsibility" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "attach blame" in formal writing. Varied phrasing, such as "assign responsibility" or "attribute fault", can enhance the sophistication and impact of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attach blame" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of assigning responsibility or fault for a particular action, event, or situation. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attach blame" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that signifies the act of assigning responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its presence across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and wiki environments. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate for clearly indicating the assignment of responsibility, though careful consideration should be given to the tone, as it can sometimes sound accusatory. Alternatives such as "assign responsibility" or "attribute fault" can offer more nuanced expressions in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay the blame

Similar to "attach blame" but emphasizes the act of placing the responsibility.

attribute fault

Directly relates to identifying and assigning a mistake or error.

assign responsibility

Focuses on the act of assigning duty or accountability.

pin the blame

Suggests a more forceful or definitive assignment of blame.

fix responsibility

Emphasizes the act of determining and establishing who is responsible.

place the onus

Highlights the burden of proof or responsibility being put on someone.

ascribe culpability

A more formal way of assigning responsibility for wrongdoing.

hold accountable

Focuses on the act of making someone answerable for their actions.

impute fault

Suggests that the fault is being attributed, possibly unfairly.

connect to fault

Suggests a link between a person or thing and a mistake or error.

FAQs

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

You can use "attach blame" to describe assigning responsibility for something negative. For instance, "The report did not "attach blame" to any specific individual, but rather pointed to systemic failures".

What are some alternatives to "attach blame"?

Alternatives include "assign responsibility", "attribute fault", or "lay the blame". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more common to say "attach blame to" or "attach blame on"?

While both are understandable, "attach blame to" is the more standard and frequently used construction. "Attach blame on" is less common.

What's the difference between "attach blame" and "ascribe blame"?

"Attach blame" generally means to connect responsibility to someone or something, while "ascribe blame" suggests attributing blame based on belief or supposition. "Ascribe" might imply a less definitive or more subjective assessment.