predominantly to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predominantly to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary responsibility or fault for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "While there were multiple factors involved, the management was predominantly to blame for the project's failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The leader predominantly to blame for the campaign of killing was and is Yasir Arafat.

The New York Times

Her words were in marked contrast to the conclusions of the cross-party report, which says structural issues such as benefit delays and cuts, coupled with low wages and rising living costs, are predominantly to blame for tens of thousands of families experiencing hunger.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In doing so she argues that by its nature this research is predominantly focused on the female body, both framing women's bodies as to blame for reproductive problems, and then implementing often intrusive procedures to solve the perceived problem.

The Guardian

The newly added economists, 18 in total, are partly to blame; they are highly followed on Twitter and are predominantly male.

Science Magazine

Perhaps Wimbledon is to blame, hardening up the dress code in 1995 so that "predominantly white" became "almost entirely white".

The Guardian - Sport

To blame?

Independent

Someone is to blame.

The New Yorker

It was to blame.

The New Yorker

SCAF is to blame.

The New Yorker

Was age to blame?

The New York Times - Sports

Who's to blame?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predominantly to blame", ensure that you have evidence to support the claim, as it implies a significant degree of responsibility. Avoid using it casually without proper justification.

Common error

Avoid using "predominantly to blame" when multiple factors contribute equally to a situation. It's more accurate to say someone is 'partly responsible' if their actions weren't the main cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predominantly to blame" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, assigning the primary cause or responsibility for an action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to attribute fault.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "predominantly to blame" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to assign primary responsibility or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and well-suited for analytical contexts, particularly in news and media. While strong, its usage should be supported by evidence. Alternatives like "mainly responsible" or "largely at fault" offer similar meanings. Remember, the key is to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the level of responsibility being attributed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Predominantly responsible

Similar to the original phrase but replaces 'to blame' with 'responsible'.

Mainly responsible

Focuses on responsibility as the primary aspect rather than fault or blame.

Largely at fault

Emphasizes the degree of fault or culpability.

Primarily accountable

Highlights the accountability aspect of the situation.

Substantially to blame

Highlights the substantial impact of someone's actions.

Chiefly responsible

Similar to 'mainly responsible' but with a slightly more formal tone.

Significantly at fault

Emphasizes the significant level of fault.

Mostly culpable

Focuses on the level of guilt or blameworthiness.

Majorly responsible

Less formal, emphasizing the significant degree of responsibility.

Principally liable

Indicates legal or formal responsibility.

FAQs

What does "predominantly to blame" mean?

The phrase "predominantly to blame" indicates that someone or something is considered the primary cause or reason for a negative outcome or situation. It suggests that while other factors might have contributed, the identified party bears the most significant responsibility.

What can I say instead of "predominantly to blame"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly responsible", "largely at fault", or "primarily accountable" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it too strong to say "predominantly to blame"?

The strength of the phrase depends on the context. It's a strong statement, so reserve it for situations where the evidence clearly supports the claim that someone or something bears the major responsibility. If the blame is shared more equally, consider using a milder term.

How do I use "predominantly to blame" in a sentence?

You can use "predominantly to blame" to assign a major part of the responsibility for an action or event to someone/something. For example: "While several factors contributed, the company's poor management was "predominantly to blame" for the project's failure."