largely to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

"largely to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to attribute an issue to someone or something, usually as a result of their actions or negligence. For example, "The city's poor infrastructure is largely to blame for the recent rise in traffic congestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mismanagement was largely to blame.

The Economist

Congress is largely to blame.

The New York Times

They have themselves largely to blame.

The Economist

Government regulation is largely to blame.

Yale University

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are largely to blame.

The Guardian

Instead, mediocre offerings were largely to blame.

The Guardian - Film

Social media is largely to blame.

The Washington Post

Turns out "cognitive laziness" could have been largely to blame.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Many local people felt the government was largely to blame.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rigidities in its economy are largely to blame.

The Economist

Mr. Eid said that the law was largely to blame.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "largely to blame", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is being blamed and for what reason. Providing specific evidence strengthens the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "largely to blame" when the responsibility is shared among multiple factors or entities. Use more nuanced language to reflect shared responsibility or contributing factors if the blame isn't primarily attributable to a single source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely to blame" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It attributes a significant degree of responsibility or causation to a specific entity or factor. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "largely to blame" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that assigns primary, though not necessarily exclusive, responsibility for a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most commonly news media, academia, and science, maintaining a generally neutral register. To enhance writing, ensure clear context when attributing blame and avoid overstating the case when responsibility is shared. Consider alternatives like "primarily responsible" or "chiefly accountable" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially to blame

Very similar, slight shift in the intensity of the blame.

primarily responsible

Emphasizes direct responsibility rather than partial blame.

mainly accountable

Focuses on the aspect of being held to account, shifting the emphasis.

chiefly responsible

Highlights the leading role in responsibility, similar to 'primarily'.

mostly at fault

More directly states fault, rather than indirect causation.

significantly responsible

Underscores the importance of the contribution to the issue.

major contributing factor

Identifies as a key element instead of directly assigning blame.

a major cause

Focuses on causation rather than blame or responsibility.

the principal reason

Highlights the reason for something happening instead of who is at fault.

predominantly culpable

Directly emphasizes the culpability or guilt.

FAQs

How can I use "largely to blame" in a sentence?

You can use "largely to blame" to assign responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "The company's financial difficulties are "largely to blame" on poor management decisions."

What are some alternatives to saying "largely to blame"?

Alternatives include "primarily responsible", "mainly accountable", or "chiefly responsible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "largely to blame" in formal writing?

Yes, "largely to blame" is suitable for formal writing, especially when attributing responsibility based on evidence or analysis. However, consider the context and ensure the tone remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "largely to blame" and "solely to blame"?

"Largely to blame" indicates that something or someone is the primary, but not necessarily the only, cause of a problem. "Solely to blame" suggests that it is the exclusive cause.