be faulted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be faulted for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone being blamed or criticized for a particular action or decision. Example: "He may be faulted for not meeting the project deadline, but there were extenuating circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film cannot be faulted for realism.

The Economist

They cannot be faulted for their efforts.

The Guardian

Ms. Jacobs can't be faulted for this.

The New York Times

QPR could not be faulted for effort.

The Guardian - Sport

No one could be faulted for having lower expectations.

The New York Times

The Mantello show can't be faulted for half measures.

The New Yorker

The players should not be faulted for acting rationally.

The New York Times - Sports

THEY certainly cannot be faulted for a lack of ambition.

The Economist

But Zemeckis can't be faulted for a wobbly tone.

The Guardian - Film

No Speaker should be faulted for taking advice".

The Guardian

But he can't be faulted for lack of ambition.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be faulted for", ensure the reason for the fault is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He was faulted", specify "He was faulted for his lack of preparation".

Common error

Avoid using "be faulted for" when describing events outside of a person's control. It implies accountability, so reserve it for situations where someone had the power to influence the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be faulted for" primarily functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that someone or something is receiving blame or criticism for a particular action, decision, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this pattern is used extensively across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be faulted for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is being blamed or criticized for a specific reason. According to Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. While it is suitable for formal writing, it's essential to ensure the scope of responsibility is accurately reflected. Alternatives such as "be blamed for" or "be criticized for" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be blamed for

This alternative suggests direct responsibility or culpability.

be criticized for

This option focuses on the act of expressing disapproval or pointing out flaws.

be held accountable for

This phrase emphasizes the obligation to answer for one's actions.

be reprimanded for

This suggests a formal or official expression of disapproval.

be taken to task for

This alternative implies a scolding or rebuke for a mistake or wrongdoing.

be liable for

This indicates a legal or financial responsibility for something.

be penalized for

This suggests that someone is suffering a penalty or punishment for something.

be sanctioned for

This alternative implies formal disapproval, often by an authority.

answer for

This focuses on needing to provide an explanation or justification for an action.

carry the can for

This idiom suggests taking responsibility, often unfairly, for someone else's mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "be faulted for" in a sentence?

Use "be faulted for" to express that someone is being criticized or blamed for something. For example, "The team can't "be faulted for" their effort, even if they didn't win".

What's a good alternative to "be faulted for"?

Alternatives include "be blamed for", "be criticized for", or "be held accountable for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be faulted for" or "be blamed for"?

While both are similar, "be faulted for" often implies a less severe judgment than "be blamed for". "Be blamed for" suggests direct responsibility and often carries a stronger negative connotation.

Can "be faulted for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be faulted for" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and business documents, indicating its acceptance in professional contexts.