bear the blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear the blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "In the end, I had to bear the blame for the project's failure, even though it was a team effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They have basically failed and need to bear the blame".

The Guardian

Since the Republicans instigated the shutdown, they should bear the blame for it.

The New York Times

On the contrary, says Mr Schäuble, they bear the blame too.

The Economist

But, he said, the CIA as a whole ought not to bear the blame for torture.

The Guardian

Yet if Britain is closer to the exits than before, politicians do bear the blame in one important way.

The Economist

Then no one will believe we went in to create order there, and we will bear the blame".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It was our civilian car that made the mistake and bears the blame," Mr. Ghaffar said.

The New York Times

The question, not addressed in the article, is who bears the blame for this chaotic, private-sector price system.

The New York Times

By extension, a scapegoat has come to mean any group or individual that innocently bears the blame of others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Who bears the blame, and the burden, when the hard-won trophy arrives in less-than-mint condition?

The New York Times

For opponents of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose Justice and Development Party (AKP) has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, the President bears the blame for the increasingly poisonous tone.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear the blame", ensure the context clearly identifies who is responsible and for what specific action or outcome. Use it when you want to emphasize the shouldering of responsibility, especially when it's burdensome or unfair.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the blame" when the responsibility is diffuse or shared among many parties without clear evidence. Overusing it can lead to unfair targeting and scapegoating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the blame" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of accepting or carrying responsibility for a mistake, error, or negative outcome. Ludwig examples show this phrase is often used in situations where someone is deemed accountable for something that went wrong.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bear the blame" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the acceptance of responsibility for a mistake or negative outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is frequently used in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "take responsibility" or "shoulder the blame" exist, "bear the blame" often suggests a heavier or more unjust burden. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly identify who is responsible and for what specific action. Understanding these nuances helps ensure effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

Highlights the act of accepting accountability for one's actions or a situation.

be responsible

A general way of stating that someone is the cause of something.

shoulder the responsibility

Emphasizes accepting the weight and duty of accountability.

accept culpability

Focuses on acknowledging guilt or fault in a more formal context.

accept the consequences

Focuses on understanding and dealing with the outcome of an action.

be held accountable

Implies that someone is made to answer for their actions.

be liable

Highlights legal responsibility for something.

face the consequences

Emphasizes dealing with the repercussions of one's actions.

take the heat

Suggests enduring criticism or pressure due to a mistake.

carry the can

Implies taking responsibility for something, often when others are unwilling.

FAQs

How can I use "bear the blame" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the blame" when discussing who is responsible for a mistake or negative outcome. For example, "The manager had to bear the blame for the project's failure."

What are some alternatives to "bear the blame"?

Alternatives include "take responsibility", "accept culpability", or "be held accountable", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bear the blame" or "take the blame"?

"Bear the blame" and "take the blame" are similar, but "bear the blame" often implies a heavier or more unjust burden of responsibility.

What's the difference between "bear the blame" and "shoulder the blame"?

"Bear the blame" and "shoulder the blame" both suggest accepting responsibility, but "shoulder the blame" emphasizes the active acceptance and handling of the responsibility.