fault is with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fault is with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that responsibility or blame lies with someone or something. Example: "The fault is with the system, which failed to process the data correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The fault is with the artificiality of Fullilove's "personal envoys" category.

The New York Times - Books

If you can't see it, then the fault is with you.

The Guardian - Opinion

I appreciate the fault is with me for not reading the order email thoroughly.

The Guardian - Money

The fault is with those who broadcast her: this is serious stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fault is with the PGA Tour, which plays a tournament on the golf course of a restrictive organization.

The New York Times - Sports

"Instead, the court finds that the fault is with Finish Line's adviser, UBS and its agents, whom Finish Line was relying upon to investigate Genesco".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Maybe the fault was with me on The Fault in Our Stars.

The Guardian - Film

It's not clear if the fault was with my computer or with the Treasury site.

The New York Times

Asked if the fault was with the running backs or the offensive line, Coughlin spared neither.

The New York Times - Sports

The one area where the investigation found fault was with Detective Rodriguez's language.

The New York Times

In a letter to her, he maintained that the fault was with his assistant technician.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "fault is with", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about who or what is responsible.

Common error

Avoid using "fault is with" when the issue is a shared responsibility. Instead, consider using phrases like "contributed to" or "played a role in" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fault is with" functions as a predicative expression that assigns blame or responsibility to a specific entity. It essentially declares that the cause of a problem or error is attributable to the mentioned subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fault is with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to pinpoint responsibility or assign blame, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is a predicative expression that is widely accepted in diverse contexts, particularly within News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral tone. While alternatives like "responsibility lies with" offer similar meanings, "fault is with" succinctly places accountability. When using this expression, ensure clarity in identifying who or what carries the responsibility to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility lies with

Replaces "fault" with "responsibility" emphasizing accountability.

accountability falls on

Similar to "responsibility lies with" but with a slightly different nuance.

blame rests on

Uses "blame" instead of "fault" and a different preposition to indicate where the blame is placed.

culpability resides with

A more formal way of saying blame lies with.

the problem lies in

Shifts focus from blame to identifying the source of the issue.

the cause is attributed to

Formal and emphasizes causation rather than fault.

the mistake stems from

Focuses on the origin of the mistake, similar to "the problem lies in".

the origin of the error is

Highlights the source of an error rather than assigning fault.

the defect originates in

Emphasizes the source of a defect or flaw.

the deficiency is within

Highlights that the deficiency is located internally to something.

FAQs

How can I use "fault is with" in a sentence?

Use "fault is with" to assign responsibility for an error or problem. For example, "The fault is with the manufacturer for the defective product".

What phrases can I use instead of "fault is with"?

Alternatives include "responsibility lies with", "blame rests on", or "the problem lies in", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fault is with" or "fault lies with"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "fault lies with" is often preferred for a more formal tone, while "fault is with" is generally acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "fault is with" and "responsibility is with"?

"Fault is with" typically implies blame or error, while "responsibility is with" suggests accountability and duty. The best choice depends on whether you want to assign blame or simply indicate who is in charge.