cannot be blamed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be blamed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing accountability or responsibility, indicating that someone is not at fault for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "While the project faced several challenges, the team cannot be blamed for the lack of resources provided by management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Securities firms cannot be blamed for everything.

The Economist

Indian bureaucracy cannot be blamed for everything.

The New York Times

Moyes cannot be blamed for this.

Independent

Mismanagement cannot be blamed for all ills.

The New Yorker

Glavine cannot be blamed for the malaise.

The New York Times - Sports

He cannot be blamed for his guarded enthusiasm.

The Economist

"Now Chubais and Gaidar cannot be blamed for anything.

The Economist

Corbyn cannot be blamed for winning a leadership contest.

Independent

Rwanda cannot be blamed for all of Congo's problems.

The New York Times

The lobbyists cannot be blamed for doing their jobs.

The New York Times

But Mr. Decrem cannot be blamed for being excited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a specific reason or explanation to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The team cannot be blamed for the project's failure, as they were not given adequate resources."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be blamed for" when someone had some level of influence or control over the situation, even if they weren't solely responsible. Instead, consider using phrases like "partially responsible" or "contributed to" to more accurately reflect their role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be blamed for" serves as a means to express exculpation or exoneration. It's used to indicate that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be blamed for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and understood. It frequently appears in news and media, serving to assign or deny accountability. While various alternatives exist, such as "is not responsible for" or "is not at fault for", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and provide context to avoid misinterpretations, and avoid using it when the subject had some level of control over a situation. This comprehensive analysis provides a deeper understanding of the phrase's appropriate use and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not responsible for

Focuses on the absence of accountability.

is not at fault for

Directly states the absence of fault.

is not to blame for

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly different word order.

is not accountable for

Emphasizes the lack of obligation to answer for something.

should not be held responsible for

Suggests an active decision not to assign responsibility.

is not liable for

Indicates a lack of legal responsibility.

bears no responsibility for

Highlights the complete absence of responsibility.

is not culpable for

Emphasizes the absence of guilt or blameworthiness.

is absolved of responsibility for

Suggests a formal release from responsibility.

cannot be held liable for

Indicates a lack of legal obligation or fault.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be blamed for" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be blamed for" to indicate that someone or something should not be held responsible for a specific outcome. For instance, "The team "cannot be blamed for" the delay because they relied on information provided by the client."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be blamed for"?

You can use phrases like "is not responsible for", "is not at fault for", or "should not be held responsible for" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "cannot be blamed for" and "is not responsible for"?

"Cannot be blamed for" often implies a lack of fault or wrongdoing, while "is not responsible for" simply indicates a lack of duty or obligation, the first meaning is more emotionally driven while the second is more rational.

When is it inappropriate to use "cannot be blamed for"?

It's inappropriate if the person or entity in question had some degree of control or influence over the situation, even if they weren't solely responsible. In such cases, phrases like "partially responsible" or "contributed to" might be more accurate.