blaming each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'blaming each other' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation in which two or more parties point the finger at each other for some wrongdoing or mistake. For example, "The two siblings were arguing, blaming each other for the broken window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're blaming each other for this huge defeat".

The Guardian

Both parties are blaming each other for the impasse.

The Guardian

Far more effort will be spent blaming each other than trying to pull together".

The Guardian

It took a while, but Patty and I found we could get past blaming each other.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Europeans spent the last decade blaming each other," an American official said today.

The New York Times

And both sides are blaming each other for neglecting the graveyard for all these years.

The New York Times

Negotiators from the major trading blocs were already blaming each other for the failure last night.

The Guardian

They are both blaming each other for their failure to create a "progressive" coalition.

The Guardian

Both sides must stop blaming each other and learn to trust.

The Guardian - Books

After the Najaf bombing, Shiites started blaming Sunnis, and Shiites started blaming each other.

The New York Times

Parents fight at high volume, blaming each other for disastrous situation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conflict, use "blaming each other" to accurately portray situations where parties avoid responsibility by pointing fingers at one another. This can be effective in news reports, analytical essays, and fictional narratives to illustrate tension and lack of accountability.

Common error

While "blaming each other" is common, it can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "attributing fault reciprocally" or "mutually accusing" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blaming each other" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes a reciprocal action where two or more parties attribute fault to one another, which is correctly reflected by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "blaming each other" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where parties reciprocally accuse one another, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in news and media to depict conflict and lack of accountability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use and various nuances. Understanding its communicative purpose and potential stylistic limitations ensures effective and precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accusing one another

Replaces 'blaming' with a more direct term, emphasizing the act of accusation.

mutually accusing

Similar to "accusing one another", but emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the accusation.

pointing fingers at each other

Uses a more figurative expression, highlighting the act of assigning responsibility.

shifting responsibility

Focuses on the avoidance of accountability rather than direct accusation.

passing the buck

An idiomatic expression indicating the act of evading responsibility.

evading responsibility

Focuses on the avoidance of accountability rather than direct accusation.

attributing fault reciprocally

A more formal way of expressing mutual blame.

denying accountability

Emphasizes the refusal to accept responsibility for an action or outcome.

each holding the other accountable

Highlights the aspect of responsibility rather than blame.

reciprocal accusations

A noun phrase referring to the exchange of blame.

FAQs

How can I use "blaming each other" in a sentence?

You can use "blaming each other" to describe a situation where multiple parties are accusing one another of wrongdoing. For instance, "After the project failed, the team members started "blaming each other" for the poor execution".

What are some alternatives to "blaming each other"?

Alternatives to "blaming each other" include "accusing one another", "pointing fingers", or "shifting responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "blaming each other"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Blaming" functions as a gerund, and "each other" indicates a reciprocal action. It's a common and accepted phrase in English.

What's the difference between "blaming each other" and "accusing each other"?

While similar, "blaming each other" often implies a general assignment of fault, while "accusing each other" suggests more direct and specific charges. Accusation is a more formal and potentially severe form of blame.