is not to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is not responsible for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "In this case, the manager is not to blame for the project's failure; the circumstances were beyond their control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For once, Bush is not to blame.

The New Yorker

But Ms. Pitre is not to blame.

The New York Times

To empower is not to blame.

The New York Times

This is not to blame Mould, exactly.

The New York Times - Books

That is not to blame the Fed.

The New York Times

But the software is not to blame.

The New York Times

And this is not to blame Strahan.

The New York Times - Sports

"Japan is not to blame here.

The Guardian

The Football Association is not to blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Gove is not to blame for this situation.

Independent

Yet, social media itself is not to blame.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not to blame", ensure clarity by specifying who or what is indeed responsible, thus avoiding ambiguity and strengthening your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is not to blame" repeatedly in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak. Instead, actively assign responsibility elsewhere for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not to blame" primarily functions as a predicate nominative, asserting that a subject does not bear responsibility for something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard English construction. Examples show it used to exonerate individuals, entities or systems from culpability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not to blame" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the absence of responsibility or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its prevalence in news and media suggests a neutral register, suitable for various communication needs. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying alternative causes or responsible parties to strengthen your argument. While useful, avoid overusing it in passive constructions to maintain a strong and active voice in your writing. Remember to consider context and choose alternatives like "is not responsible" or "is not at fault" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not responsible

Focuses on the absence of accountability for an action or situation.

cannot be blamed

Expresses that assigning blame would be unjustified.

is not at fault

Highlights the absence of error or wrongdoing.

is not culpable

Emphasizes the lack of guilt or blameworthiness.

bears no responsibility

Strongly asserts the absence of any duty or obligation.

should not be held accountable

Suggests that holding someone responsible would be inappropriate.

is not the cause of

Indicates that something did not initiate or bring about a particular outcome.

is exonerated from

Implies a formal clearing of blame or responsibility.

is clear of any wrongdoing

Focuses on the lack of any improper or illegal behavior.

is absolved of responsibility

Indicates a release from any obligation or duty.

FAQs

How can I use "is not to blame" in a sentence?

You can use "is not to blame" to indicate that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation. For example, "The software malfunction "is not to blame"; the issue stemmed from a server failure."

What's a more formal alternative to "is not to blame"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "bears no responsibility" or "should not be held accountable" for a more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "is not to blame"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. If you're trying to assign responsibility elsewhere, ensure you provide a clear alternative. Otherwise, the statement might seem incomplete or evasive.

What's the difference between "is not to blame" and "is not at fault"?

While similar, "is not to blame" implies a broader sense of responsibility, while "is not at fault" focuses more narrowly on whether someone committed an error or wrongdoing. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.