fault

USAGE SUMMARY

"fault" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to responsibility for an error, a mistake, or a problem. For example, "It was entirely his fault for not finishing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was my fault.

The New York Times - Sports

It's nobody else's fault but mine, and it's embarrassing".

The Guardian - Tech

It's no one's fault.

The New York Times

That was my fault".

The New York Times

If you are not capable of being able to decipher between lobbying and fact, and if we are incapable of politicians to see both sides of the argument, then that's a fault that we have".

The Guardian

It wasn't his fault.

The New York Times

Forte agreed with Arquette "100%" but said it was difficult to quantify the pay gap, or to know whether fault lay with female actors or agents for not pushing hard enough, or with executives for resisting equal pay.

The Guardian - Film

"It's all Pierre Koffmann's fault," he says, in a break from service.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Workers' parties might have told you it was the fault of global capitalism.

The Guardian

Unfortunately though, when I see another rider, I have no idea if they are going to slow down, speed up, stop, run over a pedestrian and say it was my fault or do a wheelie down the wrong side of the road.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After a resounding Labor loss, that word "fault" is now everywhere.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning "fault", be specific about the action or inaction that led to the negative outcome to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It was your fault", specify "It was your fault for not checking the figures before submitting the report".

Common error

Avoid using "fault" too broadly. Instead of simply stating "It's the fault of the system", identify the specific components or processes within the system that are malfunctioning to provide a more constructive critique.

Linguistic Context

The word "fault" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a defect, error, responsibility, or blame. Ludwig examples show it used to assign responsibility (e.g., "It was my fault") or describe system defects (e.g., "electrical fault"). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fault" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, used to denote responsibility, error, or a defect. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and lifestyle articles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it aligns with standard English usage. When assigning "fault", be precise to avoid ambiguity, and avoid overgeneralizing responsibility. Alternatives include "responsibility", "blame", and "error", each carrying slightly different connotations. The neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blame

Directly assigns responsibility for a negative outcome or mistake, often implying criticism.

culpability

Highlights the degree to which someone is deserving of blame for a wrong action.

responsibility

Focuses on the obligation or duty for an action or outcome, highlighting accountability rather than the error itself.

error

Emphasizes the mistake or inaccuracy of an action or decision, removing the aspect of blame.

failing

Highlights a weakness or shortcoming in character or performance, rather than a specific mistake.

shortcoming

Emphasizes a deficiency or inadequacy, often in skills or abilities.

defect

Refers to an imperfection or flaw, often in an object or system, rather than a person's actions.

oversight

Implies a failure to notice or consider something, often due to carelessness.

gaffe

Refers to an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator, a blunder.

lapse

Suggests a temporary failure of judgment or concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "fault" in a sentence?

You can use "fault" to assign blame or identify a defect. For instance, "It was his fault that the project failed", or "The design had a critical fault".

What's the difference between "fault" and "blame"?

"Fault" often implies a responsibility for a mistake or problem, while "blame" is a more direct assignment of responsibility, often with a critical connotation. You can say "It was my fault" to accept responsibility, but "I blame him" to accuse someone.

What can I say instead of "It's my fault"?

You can use alternatives like "I take responsibility", "I'm to blame", or "I made a mistake". Depending on the context, phrases like "I erred" or "I was negligent" may also be appropriate.

Which is correct: "at fault" or "in fault"?

"At fault" is the correct idiom to indicate responsibility or blame. For example, "The driver was at fault for the accident" is correct, while "in fault" is not standard usage.