being blamed for

USAGE SUMMARY

"being blamed for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss someone who is being held accountable for something, usually something negative. For example, "The contractor is being blamed for the delay in completing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"So, basically, I'm being blamed for your memories?" "Pretty much".

The New Yorker

Food adverts on TV are also being blamed for obesity.

The Economist

And blacks and Latinos were being blamed for that.

The New York Times

Still, Woods is not being blamed for the poor sales.

The New York Times - Sports

"The producer was being blamed for not arranging hot food.

Independent

When they are not being blamed for recording poor results, they are being blamed for not recording poor results.

The Economist

Al Qaeda terrorists are being blamed for the attack.

The New York Times

"But we're also worried about being blamed for it".

The New York Times

And who is being blamed for the whole mess?

The Guardian - Film

This means that so far Tony Blair's government has escaped being blamed for the crisis.

The Economist

In other words, they went from preventing social atomisation to being blamed for it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being blamed for", ensure the context clearly indicates who is assigning the blame and for what specific reason. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Be specific about who is assigning the blame. Avoid vague statements like "mistakes are being blamed for the failure" without clarifying who is assigning that blame. State clearly, "analysts are being blamed for the failure" for more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being blamed for" functions as a passive construction indicating assignment of responsibility, typically for something negative. According to Ludwig, it is used to express that someone is receiving criticism or is being held accountable for a particular issue or problem. The examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being blamed for" is a commonly used construction to indicate that someone or something is receiving criticism or is being held responsible for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to be clear about who is assigning the blame and for what specific reason to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "held accountable for", "criticized for", and "found responsible for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally neutral in register, the phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting fault or culpability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given the blame for

A more direct and active way of expressing the same idea.

found responsible for

Emphasizes the outcome of an investigation or assessment.

held accountable for

Focuses on the responsibility aspect rather than the accusation.

penalized for

Indicates a punishment or sanction due to an action.

considered culpable for

Highlights the blameworthiness of someone.

reprimanded for

Implies a formal rebuke or scolding.

criticized for

Suggests disapproval but not necessarily responsibility.

implicated in

Suggests involvement in something negative, though not necessarily full responsibility.

indicted for

Refers to a formal accusation in a legal setting.

taking the rap for

An informal way of saying someone is accepting blame, often unfairly.

FAQs

How can I use "being blamed for" in a sentence?

The phrase "being blamed for" is used to indicate that someone or something is receiving criticism or responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "The company is "being blamed for" the environmental damage".

What are some alternatives to "being blamed for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "held accountable for", "criticized for", or "found responsible for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "being blamed for" something?

Yes, the phrase "being blamed for" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies that someone is being held responsible for something unfavorable. However, the fairness of the blame can vary.

What's the difference between "being blamed for" and "being responsible for"?

"Being responsible for" can be neutral or even positive, indicating a duty or obligation. "Being blamed for", on the other hand, is specifically negative, indicating fault or culpability. Someone can be "responsible for" managing a project, but "being blamed for" its failure.