not at fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not at fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that someone is not responsible for a mistake or problem. Example: "After reviewing the incident, it was clear that she was not at fault for the misunderstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He emphasized that the stores were not at fault.

The New York Times - Health

He was not at fault for the other two goals.

The New York Times - Sports

The Karolyis have said that they are not at fault.

The New York Times - Sports

Weaver, Sanders's spokesman, said Jane Sanders was not at fault.

The Washington Post

The manufacturer is not at fault, Mr. Aked said.

The New York Times

But the concept of Pakistan is not at fault.

The Guardian - Opinion

The voters are not at fault and neither are you.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A higher proportion of 'not at fault' cases were injured while cycling (table 2).

BMJ Open

The Stockholm Arbitration Court ruled on Wednesday that Gazprom was not at fault.

Forbes

Remember that you're not at fault for this situation.

WikiHow

You're not at fault.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not at fault" when you want to explicitly state that someone or something should not be blamed for a negative outcome. Ensure the context clearly defines the event or situation in question.

Common error

Avoid using "not at fault" to deflect blame without a clear understanding of the situation. Make sure there's sufficient evidence or reasoning before absolving someone of responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not at fault" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject is free from blame or responsibility for a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating its role in assigning or denying culpability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not at fault" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is free from blame or responsibility. Ludwig AI highlights that this phrase is used across diverse fields, from news and media to academic and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Its primary function is to absolve an entity from culpability, clarifying that they are not the cause of a particular problem. Related phrases such as "not to blame" and "not responsible" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a clear understanding of the situation and sufficient evidence to support the attribution of blamelessness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not to blame

Direct synonym focusing on the absence of culpability.

without fault

Similar to "not at fault", but with a slightly different emphasis.

not responsible

Emphasizes the lack of accountability for an action or outcome.

blameless

Highlights the innocence and lack of responsibility of someone.

not culpable

A more formal way of stating a lack of legal or moral responsibility.

absolved of responsibility

Highlights the act of being cleared from any duties or obligations.

not guilty

Indicates innocence in a legal or moral context.

exempt from blame

Formally states that someone is excused from being blamed.

exonerated

Formally clears someone from blame or suspicion, often after an investigation.

in the clear

Suggests someone is free from suspicion or blame.

FAQs

How can I use "not at fault" in a sentence?

You can use "not at fault" to indicate that someone or something is not responsible for an error or accident. For example, "The driver was "not at fault" in the accident because the other car ran a red light."

What is a good alternative to "not at fault"?

Alternatives include "not to blame", "not responsible", or "blameless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not at fault" or should I use another phrasing?

"Not at fault" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. Its appropriateness depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, but it is generally acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "not at fault" and "without fault"?

While similar, "not at fault" often implies a specific incident or situation where blame is being assessed. "Without fault" is a broader statement about someone's general character or performance. Both can be used depending on the context.