free from blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "free from blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not held responsible for a fault or wrongdoing. Example: "After the investigation, it was determined that she was free from blame in the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Hardly any country has in its history always remained free from blame for war or violence.

The New York Times

And what about all the business people who were clever enough not to get caught, who wriggled free from blame?

The New Yorker

Yes, Israel is not free from blame, as our Quilliam Foundation press release stated Israel's actions are condemnable, it has acted disproportionately and with utter disregard for human life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The country's efforts to become a member of the European Union has been dragging on for some 50 years, and while Ankara has not always been free from blame, since 2005 — when negotiations began in earnest — it has been trying hard to climb over the wall of Europe's prejudices.

The New York Times

She was innocent, of course, in the sense of being free from blame or badness, but Obama also marked, and was awed by, the way she was becoming, in the best sense of the word, worldly: "starting to glimpse the fact that someday she too might play a part in shaping her nation's future".

The New Yorker

For another autumn and winter, stable amid the rubble of another collapsed Mets season will stand Terry Collins, the team's fiery manager, who has pulled off a noteworthy feat in presiding over two straight losing seasons while staying mostly free from blame or reproach.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Several years ago, with the psychologist Edward B. Royzman, we published a study in the journal Ethics & Behavior that demonstrated the power of neuroscientific explanations to free people from blame.

The New York Times

It's important that our stories neither damage us nor free us from blame.

Forbes

When you do this, you free yourself from blame and judgment so that you will not feel objectified or used in any sexual experience you share.

Huffington Post

So let's join hands and stride into the future feeling joy and gratitude for our time here together, free from shame, blame, guilt and hurt.

Huffington Post

But as Richie's life demonstrates, you'll have far more success in achieving your highest visions when you break free from the blame game and take full ownership of yourself and your life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, replace "free from blame" with stronger synonyms like "exonerated" or "acquitted", especially in legal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "free from blame" to suggest absolute perfection. The phrase indicates a lack of responsibility for a specific fault, not an overall state of innocence. Be precise in your language to reflect the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free from blame" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being without responsibility for a specific fault or wrongdoing. It indicates a lack of culpability or accountability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "free from blame" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone or something is not responsible for a specific fault or wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in English writing. While not exceptionally common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using the phrase, be precise about the scope of responsibility being absolved and consider stronger synonyms like "exonerated" or "acquitted" for formal settings. Be aware that it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a signal of overall virtue instead of not having fault for a defined situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blameless

Direct synonym, implying innocence and lack of fault.

not at fault

Emphasizes the absence of fault or wrongdoing.

not responsible

Indicates a lack of accountability or obligation.

exonerated

Suggests a formal clearing of charges or accusations.

acquitted

Specifically denotes being found not guilty in a legal setting.

cleared of charges

Implies that accusations have been formally dismissed.

without culpability

Highlights the absence of moral or legal responsibility.

held harmless

Indicates protection from any negative consequences or responsibility.

vindicated

Suggests being proven right or justified after initial doubt.

beyond reproach

Suggests impeccable behavior that cannot be criticized.

FAQs

How can I use "free from blame" in a sentence?

You can use "free from blame" to indicate that someone or something is not responsible for a particular fault or wrongdoing. For example: "The investigation concluded that the company was "free from blame" for the accident."

What are some alternatives to "free from blame"?

Alternatives to "free from blame" include "not responsible", "blameless", and "not at fault". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "free of blame" instead of "free from blame"?

While "free of blame" is sometimes used, "free from blame" is more common and generally preferred, especially in formal writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "exonerated" or "acquitted" in formal settings.

In what contexts is "free from blame" most appropriate?

"Free from blame" is appropriate in contexts where you want to state that someone is not responsible for a specific error or transgression. It's frequently used in legal, ethical, and investigative reports to clarify responsibility.