blamed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blamed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attributing responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing to someone or something. Example: "She was blamed for the project's failure despite the lack of support from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Securities firms cannot be blamed for everything.

The Economist

You can't be blamed for that.

The New Yorker

They can't be blamed for that.

The Economist

Thieu has been blamed for this.

The New Yorker

Indian bureaucracy cannot be blamed for everything.

The New York Times

Mismanagement cannot be blamed for all ills.

The New Yorker

Muslims were blamed for the fire.

The New York Times

They get blamed for Muslim extremism.

The New York Times

He was blamed for Republican election losses.

The New Yorker

British xenophobia blamed for delays.

The New Yorker

We got blamed for lying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blamed for", clearly specify who or what is being blamed and the reason for the blame to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "blamed for" without clearly stating the subject being blamed and the reason. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes were blamed for", specify "The project manager was blamed for the budget overruns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blamed for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction. It indicates that someone or something is receiving the attribution of responsibility for an undesirable outcome or fault. As Ludwig confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "blamed for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound construction used to assign responsibility for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears frequently in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversations, with a neutral register. While versatile, clarity is paramount: specify the subject and reason for blame. Consider alternatives like "held responsible" or "attributed to" for subtle shifts in meaning. Keep in mind, that to be "blamed for" something is not equivalent to being formally "accused of" it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held accountable for

Emphasizes responsibility and the expectation of having to answer for something.

held responsible for

Similar to "held accountable for", but focuses on the burden of responsibility.

attributed to

Indicates that something is considered the cause or origin of something else, not necessarily negative.

faulted for

Directly implies finding fault or error in someone or something.

imputed to

Suggests that something is attributed to someone, often unfairly or falsely.

reproached for

Indicates that someone is criticized or rebuked for something.

criticized for

Indicates disapproval or negative evaluation of someone or something.

taken to task for

Implies being corrected or reprimanded for a mistake or wrongdoing.

accused of

Suggests a formal charge or accusation, which may or may not be true.

penalized for

Focuses on the consequence or punishment received for an action.

FAQs

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

Use "blamed for" to indicate that someone or something is considered responsible for a negative outcome or fault. For example, "The company was "blamed for" the pollution incident."

What are some alternatives to "blamed for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "held "responsible for"", "attributed to", or "faulted for".

Is it appropriate to use "blamed for" in formal writing?

Yes, "blamed for" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but ensure the context and tone align with the overall style of the document.

What's the difference between "blamed for" and "accused of"?

"Blamed for" suggests that someone is considered responsible for a fault or negative outcome, while "accused of" implies a formal charge or allegation, which may or may not be proven true. You can be "blamed for" something without being formally "accused of" it.