is to blame for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to blame for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to assign responsibility or fault for a certain event or situation. Here is an example: "John is to blame for the project's failure. He did not properly communicate with the team and missed important deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is to blame for this mess?

The Economist

And who is to blame for that?

The Economist

Who is to blame for all this?

The Guardian - Sport

Drug violence is to blame for narcocorridos".

The New York Times - Arts

Erdogan is to blame for that".

Independent

Who is to blame for this debacle?

The Guardian

"No one is to blame for anything.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody is to blame for his predicament.

The Guardian

Who is to blame for this?

The Guardian - Opinion

Who is to blame for this disaster?

The Guardian

Who is to blame for that?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to blame for" when you want to specifically highlight fault or culpability. For general responsibility, consider "is responsible for".

Common error

While "is to blame for" is acceptable, it can sound accusatory in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "is responsible for" or "contributed to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to blame for" functions as a predicative expression that assigns fault or responsibility for a particular outcome. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in contexts where accountability is being determined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to blame for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to assign fault or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While it is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, writers should be mindful of the potential accusatory tone and consider more neutral alternatives in formal settings. Ludwig examples illustrate its consistent application in determining accountability, making it a versatile phrase for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is responsible for

Focuses on general responsibility rather than explicit fault.

is accountable for

Emphasizes the obligation to answer for the consequences.

is at fault for

Directly indicates error or wrongdoing.

bears the responsibility for

Highlights the weight of the responsibility.

is liable for

Implies legal or financial responsibility.

is culpable for

Suggests moral or ethical blameworthiness.

is the cause of

Identifies the direct source or origin of something.

is the reason for

Explains the rationale or justification behind an event.

is the origin of

Pinpoints the starting point or genesis of something.

is behind

Suggests a hidden or indirect involvement.

FAQs

How do I use "is to blame for" in a sentence?

The phrase "is to blame for" is used to assign responsibility or fault for something. For example, "The manager "is to blame for" the project delays because of poor planning".

What can I say instead of "is to blame for"?

You can use alternatives like "is responsible for", "is accountable for", or "is at fault for", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "are to blame for"?

Yes, "are to blame for" is correct when referring to multiple entities. For example, "The company's policies "are to blame for" the declining sales".

What's the difference between "is to blame for" and "is responsible for"?

"Is to blame for" specifically indicates fault or culpability, while "is responsible for" simply denotes a duty or obligation. Someone can be responsible for something without necessarily being at fault. "The supervisor "is responsible for" the team's performance, but the economic downturn "is to blame for" the company's overall losses".