my fault

USAGE SUMMARY

"my fault" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to take responsibility for something that went wrong. Example sentence: I'm sorry we didn't get the project done in time; it was my fault.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taint My Fault.

Johns Hopkins University

"My fault.

The New York Times

Always, always my fault.

The New York Times

Is my fault.

The New Yorker

Therefore, it's my fault.

The New Yorker

So it's my fault".

The New York Times

It was my fault.

The New York Times - Sports

That was my fault".

The New York Times

— My fault, Mishazzo said.

The New Yorker

It's my fault.

The New York Times - Sports

Knees are my fault?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my fault", follow up with an explanation or a plan to rectify the situation. This shows sincerity and a commitment to resolving the issue.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly saying "my fault" without proposing ways to correct the mistake. This can come across as insincere or deflective. Instead, focus on solutions and demonstrate a proactive approach to fixing the problem.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "my fault" is as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or predicate nominative, identifying the speaker as the cause of a problem. Ludwig examples show it used to directly acknowledge responsibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my fault" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for acknowledging responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic settings. When using "my fault", it's best practice to follow up with an explanation or solution to show genuine remorse and commitment to resolving the issue. Alternative phrases include "I take responsibility" or "I am to blame", offering slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm at fault

This is a slightly more formal variation of "my fault".

I take responsibility

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of accepting responsibility.

I am to blame

This is a more direct and forceful way of saying you are responsible.

I messed up

This is a more informal way of admitting a mistake.

The mistake was mine

This emphasizes ownership of the mistake.

The responsibility lies with me

This is a formal way of acknowledging accountability.

I was wrong

This focuses on admitting an error in judgment or action.

It's on me

This is an informal way of taking responsibility, often implying a willingness to fix the problem.

I am accountable

This emphasizes being answerable for the error.

I erred

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "I was wrong".

FAQs

What does "my fault" mean?

"My fault" is an expression used to take responsibility for a mistake, error, or negative outcome. It indicates that you believe you are to blame for something that has occurred.

How can I use "my fault" in a sentence?

You can use "my fault" in a sentence like this: "I'm sorry the project was delayed; it was "my fault" for not managing the timeline effectively."

What are some alternative phrases to "my fault"?

Some alternative phrases to "my fault" include "I take responsibility", "I am to blame", and "it's on me". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "my fault" formal or informal?

"My fault" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's also not strictly informal. The appropriateness of its use depends on the context of the conversation or writing.