cast blame

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast blame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom which means to ascribe responsibility for something wrong or unpleasant. Example sentence: The judge cast blame on the defendant for the theft.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cast blame (ignorantly, of course).

The New York Times

Meantime, Democrats have continued to cast blame upon Bush.

The Washington Post

He shares credit and he doesn't cast blame.

The New York Times

Each campaign cast blame on the other for the fight.

The New York Times

Unlike the SDGs, the pope dares to cast blame.

The Guardian

Booker's usual critics cast blame his way, and they were joined by others.

The New Yorker

The gesture was meant to cast blame on a military that his officials deem unduly unaccountable.

The New York Times

And some even went so far as to cast blame on the Jewish victims themselves.

The New York Times

However, the failed Obama nominee cast blame for his failed appointment on "the Israel lobby".

The Guardian

IN THESE uncertain times it's tempting to cast blame on villains overcome by greed.

The Economist

When we spoke by phone, Daniel was reluctant to cast blame.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cast blame", ensure that you have a clear understanding of the situation and are assigning responsibility fairly and accurately. Avoid using it when the situation is ambiguous or when it could escalate conflicts unnecessarily.

Common error

Avoid using "cast blame" in emotionally charged or sensitive situations where a more empathetic or solution-oriented approach is needed. Instead of directly blaming, try focusing on understanding the root causes and finding constructive solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast blame" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of assigning responsibility or fault for something negative. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a common idiom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast blame" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to assign responsibility for a negative situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely recognized idiom. While frequently found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal business and scientific writing. When using "cast blame", consider the sensitivity of the situation and whether a more constructive approach might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "assign responsibility" or "attribute fault" may offer a more nuanced way to express the same idea. Be mindful of overusing it in emotionally charged environments, and always strive for fairness and accuracy when assigning responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assign responsibility

Focuses on the act of assigning responsibility, which is a core component of blaming.

lay the blame on

Emphasizes the act of placing blame specifically on someone or something.

attribute fault

Highlights the identification of fault as the reason for assigning blame.

hold accountable

Focuses on making someone answerable for their actions, which often involves blame.

point the finger at

Uses a visual metaphor to describe the act of accusing someone.

pin the blame on

Suggests a forceful assignment of blame, making it stick.

impute culpability

A more formal way of assigning guilt or responsibility.

fix responsibility

Highlights the act of firmly establishing responsibility.

place the onus

Shifts the focus to placing the burden of responsibility.

level accusations

Emphasizes the making of accusations as part of the blaming process.

FAQs

How to use "cast blame" in a sentence?

You can use "cast blame" to indicate assigning responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "The manager cast blame on the team for the project's failure".

What can I say instead of "cast blame"?

You can use alternatives like "assign responsibility", "lay the blame on", or "attribute fault" depending on the context.

Is it better to "cast blame" or focus on solutions?

While identifying responsibility can be important, it's often more productive to focus on solutions, especially in team settings. Excessive focus on "casting blame" can hinder collaboration and problem-solving.

Which is correct: "cast blame on" or "cast the blame to"?

"Cast blame on" is the correct and more common usage. "Cast the blame to" is grammatically incorrect.