open to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is susceptible to being held responsible for a mistake or failure. Example: "After the project failed, the team leader felt open to blame for the lack of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But he is also open to blame by Republicans who conclude that the party failed to unseat a weakened president by ignoring the more moderate, and diverse, direction of the country.

The New York Times

SCORECARD -- By many measures, including job creation, the economy is lackluster, and just as incumbents take credit for good news even if it is largely the result of forces beyond their control, they are open to blame for bad or disappointing news.

The New York Times

Decline unkempt vehicles: A car that clearly hasn't been cleaned since the last customer may not have been inspected for damage, leaving you open to blame when you return it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

2. Is the wind of the open road to blame for Ryan's askew neckwear?

The New Yorker

Edwards, when asked if Hatchette was having trouble getting open, declined to blame the receiver.

The New York Times - Sports

Is the wind of the open road to blame for Ryan's askew neckwear?

The New Yorker

The country invests in bricks and mortar and marquees, but not in the skills of its sportsmen.In football, Britain's main sport, some Luddites think the open labour market is to blame for the lack of local talent.

The Economist

"A key takeaway from our study is that the open plan isn't to blame any more than reverting to all private offices can be a solution," Flynn says.

Huffington Post

Their different worldview speaks volumes about the wide chasms that have opened over who is to blame for the continuing economic malaise and what is best for the country.

The New York Times

The open playing field is partly to blame, too: this was a summer in which the usual pop suspects were largely absent, or in some cases ineffectual.

The New York Times - Arts

Whether or not teachers' unions are partly to blame is open to discussion, but Guggenheim's film casts a light on that perspective.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open to blame", ensure the context clearly establishes who might place the blame and for what reason. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "open to blame" when the responsibility is uncertain or speculative. Instead, use phrases like "potentially responsible" or "possibly accountable" to convey the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to blame" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of vulnerability or susceptibility to being blamed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open to blame" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating vulnerability to criticism or responsibility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. Though relatively infrequent, it appears most commonly in News & Media contexts. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "vulnerable to criticism" or "subject to blame", choosing the one that best suits the specific context. Remember to use the phrase when responsibility can be attributed directly and avoid speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to blame

Directly implies being under the possibility of being blamed.

vulnerable to criticism

Focuses on the susceptibility to negative feedback.

likely to be criticized

Highlights the high probability of facing criticism.

exposed to criticism

Highlights the lack of protection from criticism.

liable for reproach

Emphasizes a legal or moral responsibility to be blamed.

culpable for errors

Implies moral or ethical responsibility for mistakes.

at fault

Directly indicates responsibility for an error or wrongdoing.

responsible for the mishap

Pinpoints direct responsibility for an unfortunate event.

accountable for failure

Focuses on responsibility specifically for a failure.

bearing responsibility

Indicates the act of carrying the weight of accountability.

FAQs

What does "open to blame" mean?

The phrase "open to blame" means someone is vulnerable to being held responsible or criticized for a mistake, error, or failure. It suggests a lack of defense against potential accusations.

What are some alternatives to "open to blame"?

You can use alternatives like "vulnerable to criticism", "subject to blame", or "liable for reproach" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "open to blame" or "subject to blame"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "subject to blame" might be perceived as slightly stronger or more direct than "open to blame". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

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

Here's an example: "After the company's financial losses, the CEO felt particularly "open to blame" from shareholders and the public."