is not to blame for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not to blame for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "While the project faced several challenges, the team is not to blame for the delays caused by external factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Gove is not to blame for this situation.

Independent

Football is not to blame for every tragedy.

Independent

Dalglish is not to blame for every shortcoming at Liverpool.

The New York Times - Sports

Hierarchy is not to blame for our problems.

Harvard Business Review

Brearley is not to blame for this phenomenon.

The New York Times

And he is not to blame for any of this.

The Guardian

But Maliki alone is not to blame for Iraq's problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

First, Mr Murdoch is not to blame for quality newspapers' move towards the mid-market.

The Economist

In Ms. Wulff's case, Google has countered that it is not to blame for her troubles.

The New York Times

Trump is not to blame for the pathetic state of the German military.

The Washington Post

(Industry is not to blame for the whole water-poisoning debacle, but neither is it innocent).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not to blame for" to clarify misunderstandings about who or what caused a particular problem. This can help prevent misdirected criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "is not to blame for" as a deflection tactic when there is partial responsibility. Acknowledge any contributing factors before explicitly stating what someone isn't fully responsible for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not to blame for" functions as a predicate expressing the absence of culpability or responsibility. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to absolve someone or something of responsibility for a specific event or situation. It is frequently employed to clarify misunderstandings and prevent misdirected criticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not to blame for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media. Alternative phrases include "is not responsible for" or "cannot be held accountable for". It's essential to use this phrase accurately and avoid misattributing blame or deflecting responsibility when there is partial involvement. Using it thoughtfully can prevent misunderstandings and promote clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not responsible for

Focuses on the absence of responsibility rather than blame.

bears no responsibility for

Emphasizes a complete lack of accountability.

cannot be held accountable for

Highlights the inability to assign fault.

is not at fault for

Directly addresses the absence of fault.

is exonerated from

Implies a formal clearing of blame.

is not the cause of

Shifts focus to causation rather than culpability.

is unrelated to

Indicates a lack of connection or influence.

played no part in

Suggests a lack of involvement or contribution.

cannot be attributed to

Focuses on the inability to assign origin or causation.

is absolved of any responsibility for

Highlights the act of formally relieving someone of duty or blame.

FAQs

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

You can use "is not to blame for" to indicate that someone or something should not be held responsible for a particular situation. For example: "The team "is not to blame for" the project delays; external factors were the primary cause."

What phrases are similar to "is not to blame for"?

Alternatives include "is not responsible for", "bears no responsibility for", or "cannot be held accountable for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is not to blame for"?

It is appropriate when you want to explicitly state that a person or entity should not be held accountable for a negative outcome or situation. Ensure you have a valid reason and supporting evidence for your claim.

What is the difference between "is not to blame for" and "is not responsible for"?

"Is not to blame for" implies a lack of fault or culpability, whereas "is not responsible for" simply indicates a lack of duty or obligation to address the situation. Blame carries a stronger connotation of wrongdoing.