is at fault

USAGE SUMMARY

"is at fault" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe or imply that someone is responsible for something going wrong. For example, "The manager is at fault for not following proper safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Someone is at fault.

The New York Times - Arts

Who is at fault?

The New Yorker

But who is at fault here?

The New Yorker

George says competition is at fault.

The New Yorker

The journalist is at fault.

The Guardian

"Human nature is at fault".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Adams was at fault.

The New York Times - Sports

I am at fault.

The New York Times - Arts

Both sides are at fault.

The New York Times

Who's at fault here?

The New York Times

Who is going to be at fault?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at fault" when you want to clearly state that someone or something is responsible for an error, problem, or negative outcome. Ensure the context provides sufficient evidence or reason for this attribution.

Common error

Avoid using "is at fault" in situations where responsibility is subjective or shared. Opt for more nuanced language to acknowledge shared responsibility or contributing factors, rather than assigning sole blame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at fault" functions as a predicate adjective, attributing blame or responsibility to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound for pinpointing the source of an error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is at fault" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for assigning blame or responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to clearly identify the source of an error or problem, with its usage spanning news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in subjective scenarios, opting for more nuanced language when responsibility is shared. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication, making it a valuable tool for precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is responsible

A general and direct way of stating accountability.

is to blame

Similar to "is at fault" but can carry a stronger connotation of censure.

takes the blame

Highlights that someone accepts that they are at fault.

bears responsibility

This alternative suggests a formal obligation to answer for something.

is accountable

Highlights the obligation to justify actions.

is culpable

Implies legal or moral blameworthiness.

is liable

Suggests legal responsibility for damages.

is the reason for

Focuses on causality rather than direct blame.

is the cause of

Pinpoints the origin of a problem or issue.

is the origin of

Highlights the starting point of an issue or problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "is at fault" to assign responsibility for a mistake or problem, as in "The company "is at fault" for the data breach".

What are some alternatives to saying "is at fault"?

Alternatives include "is responsible", "is to blame", or "bears responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is at fault" or "is responsible"?

"Is at fault" directly assigns blame, while "is responsible" can simply indicate accountability without necessarily implying wrongdoing. The choice depends on the context and your intention.

Can "is at fault" be used for both people and things?

Yes, "is at fault" can be used for both people and things. For example, "The driver is at fault" or "The faulty wiring "is at fault" for the fire".