cannot be faulted

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be faulted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone or something that was done correctly or proficiently. For example, "His skills as a negotiator cannot be faulted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politically, the move cannot be faulted.

The Economist

In that aspect, he cannot be faulted.

The New York Times - Sports

The film cannot be faulted for realism.

The Economist

The title, however, cannot be faulted.

Independent

The cooking cannot be faulted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The strong cast, though, cannot be faulted.

The New York Times - Arts

They cannot be faulted for their efforts.

The Guardian

THEY certainly cannot be faulted for a lack of ambition.

The Economist

Mr. Niebel's pro-Israeli credentials cannot be faulted.

The New York Times

Russia's co-operation with the investigation cannot be faulted.

The Economist

Clan Royal cannot be faulted on that score.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be faulted" to express that something has been done correctly and meets high standards. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts where you want to convey a strong sense of approval or acceptance.

Common error

While "cannot be faulted" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to an active voice construction when appropriate to add more impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be faulted" functions as a passive construction expressing a strong affirmation of something's quality or execution. According to Ludwig, it suggests the subject is beyond criticism. It's frequently used to express approval or commendation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be faulted" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate something is beyond criticism and done to a high standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various reliable sources, including news and academic domains. While generally formal, it can be adapted for professional contexts where a strong endorsement is needed. Consider alternative phrasing to avoid overusing passive voice and to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond reproach

Implies a higher standard of conduct that is impeccable.

impeccable

Focuses on the flawless nature of the action or quality.

irreproachable

Similar to "beyond reproach", emphasizing that no blame can be assigned.

blameless

Highlights the innocence and lack of responsibility for any wrongdoing.

unimpeachable

Suggests a level of integrity that cannot be questioned.

without blame

Directly states the absence of fault or culpability.

cannot be criticized

Focuses specifically on the absence of negative feedback.

above criticism

Indicates a position or action that is so well done it avoids any critique.

deserves praise

Shifts the focus to positive recognition for the action.

merits commendation

More formal, suggesting the action is worthy of official approval.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be faulted" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be faulted" to indicate that something or someone's performance or quality is so good that it cannot be criticized. For example, "The chef's execution of the dish "cannot be faulted"."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be faulted"?

Alternatives to "cannot be faulted" include "beyond reproach", "impeccable", or "blameless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "cannot be faulted" or "cannot be criticized"?

"Cannot be faulted" implies a higher standard of assessment, suggesting near perfection, while "cannot be criticized" simply means there's no basis for negative feedback. The choice depends on the degree of approval you wish to express.

What does it mean when someone says something "cannot be faulted for effort"?

Saying someone "cannot be faulted for effort" means their dedication and hard work are commendable, even if the outcome isn't perfect. It's a way of acknowledging someone's commitment despite any shortcomings.