not our fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not our fault" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is not an individual or group's responsibility or blame. Examples: - "The car accident was not our fault, the other driver ran a red light." - "We were unable to complete the project on time, but it was not entirely our fault as we faced unforeseen delays." - "It's not our fault the store was closed, we checked the hours before coming here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not our fault".

The New York Times

That's not our fault.

The New Yorker

It was not our fault.

The New York Times

But it's not our fault.

The New York Times

Translation: Not our fault!

The New York Times

It's not our fault, certainly".

The Guardian

"It's not our fault," he sobbed.

The Economist

"It's not our fault," Ethan said.

The New York Times

- but this time it's not our fault.

The Guardian

But this was not our fault.

The Guardian

But this is not our fault, Tim.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not our fault", clearly state the actual cause or responsible party to avoid ambiguity and defensiveness. For example, instead of simply saying, "It's not our fault", follow with, "It's not our fault; the supplier delayed the shipment."

Common error

Avoid using "not our fault" repeatedly without providing specific explanations or taking any responsibility for mitigating the situation. Overuse can damage your credibility and appear defensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not our fault" primarily functions as a statement of denial or disavowal of responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to indicate that the speaker or the group they represent are not to blame for a particular situation. This is evident in the examples where the phrase is used to deflect blame for various events and circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not our fault" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to deny responsibility or blame. As Ludwig AI states, it's used when someone wants to indicate that they or their group are not to be held accountable for a situation. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While it is crucial to use this phrase accurately and responsibly to avoid appearing defensive or evasive, it is a valuable tool for clarifying accountability. Ludwig examples also reveal that it is effective to combine it with an explanation of the real reason in order to reduce misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not our responsibility

This phrase explicitly states that the duty or obligation does not belong to the speaker or their group.

we're not at fault

Directly denies culpability, suggesting someone else is responsible.

not to blame

This indicates the speaker or their group should not be held accountable for the outcome.

we are not responsible

A direct statement denying accountability for an event or situation.

it wasn't us

An informal way of denying involvement or responsibility.

we had no part in it

Emphasizes a lack of involvement or contribution to the situation.

it's not on us

Indicates that the burden or blame should not fall on the speaker or their group.

the responsibility lies elsewhere

Shifts the blame to another party, implying their accountability.

we are not liable

A formal declaration of not being legally responsible for damages or consequences.

it is beyond our control

Suggests that the outcome was unavoidable and not due to any action or inaction by the speaker or their group.

FAQs

What does "not our fault" mean?

The phrase "not our fault" signifies a denial of responsibility or blame for a particular event, situation, or outcome. It asserts that the speaker or the group they represent is not the cause of the problem or issue.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not our fault"?

It's appropriate to use "not our fault" when you genuinely believe that neither you nor your group is responsible for the issue at hand, and you have evidence or justification to support that claim. Ensure you communicate this clearly and constructively.

What are some alternative ways to say "not our fault"?

You can use alternatives like "not our responsibility", "we are not responsible", or "not to blame" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not my fault" or "not our fault"?

Use "not my fault" when speaking for yourself alone. Use "not our fault" when representing a group, team, or organization. For instance, "The project failed, but it's "not my fault", I followed all instructions" versus "The delay was "not our fault", the supplier had issues".