shift the blame to

USAGE SUMMARY

"shift the blame to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when someone needs to assign responsibility for something. For example: "The company shifted the blame to their suppliers for the product recall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The police tried to shift the blame to her, to make her feel guilty," Blackburn said.

The New Yorker

During the trial, his lawyers had done their best to shift the blame to her.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly, he doesn't then hobble as it to shift the blame to his ankle.

The Guardian - Sport

Failing teachers just might try to shift the blame to their "worstbehaved students".

The New York Times

Since the economy was crashing down all around us, I was able to shift the blame to the outside world.

The New York Times

President Vladimir V. Putin, as any good Western politician would, now seeks to shift the blame to others.

The New York Times

It is not enough to shift the blame to the supposed exhaustion of painting or of Modernism.

The New York Times

Human rights activists have accused the police of excessive force, although the protesting officers sought to shift the blame to the government.

The New York Times

Mr. Karadzic addressed the question of responsibility, saying, "I don't want to defend myself by saying I wasn't important, nor will I shift the blame to someone else".

The New York Times

Truman's defenders, though, might shift the blame to Franklin Roosevelt, who set in motion the Manhattan Project, the name given to the making of the bomb.

The Economist

If that effort also ends in failure, however, the army will find it hard to shift the blame to anyone else.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift the blame to", ensure that you have evidence or a clear reason for suggesting the transfer of responsibility. Avoid making unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "shift the blame to" without a factual basis. It can lead to defamation or damage to reputations if used carelessly. Make sure you have evidence before accusing someone of shifting blame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift the blame to" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of transferring responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing from oneself to another party. Ludwig AI confirms the correct and usable nature of this expression in written English. This aligns with various examples in the provided data, showcasing its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift the blame to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the action of transferring responsibility from oneself to another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it's frequently employed in news and media to report on situations where individuals or organizations attempt to evade accountability. When writing, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately and avoid unsubstantiated accusations. Alternatives such as "attribute fault to" can provide a more neutral tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass the buck to

Uses a more informal, idiomatic expression to convey the same meaning.

attribute fault to

Emphasizes the act of assigning fault or responsibility.

lay the responsibility on

Focuses on placing the burden of responsibility onto someone else.

pin the responsibility on

Conveys a sense of firmly assigning blame.

assign culpability to

A more formal way of indicating the assignment of blame.

transfer responsibility to

Highlights the action of moving accountability to another party.

foist the guilt on

Suggests an unfair or unwelcome imposition of guilt.

place the onus on

Emphasizes the burden or obligation being shifted.

impute responsibility to

Implies attributing responsibility, often in a formal or legal context.

evade accountability by blaming

Focuses on the evasion of accountability as the primary motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "shift the blame to" in a sentence?

You can use "shift the blame to" to describe someone attempting to avoid responsibility for an error or problem by accusing someone else. For example: "The CEO tried to shift the blame to the marketing department for the poor sales figures."

What is a less accusatory alternative to "shift the blame to"?

If you want to express the idea of reassigning responsibility without being overly critical, you might use phrases like "attribute fault to" or "lay the responsibility on". These options can sound more neutral depending on context.

Is there a difference between "shift the blame to" and "take responsibility"?

"Shift the blame to" implies avoiding accountability by attributing fault to someone else, while "take responsibility" means accepting accountability for one's actions or decisions. They are opposite actions.

What are some situations where people might "shift the blame to" others?

People might "shift the blame to" others in situations where they fear consequences, such as job loss, legal penalties, or social disapproval. It's a common defense mechanism to avoid accepting personal responsibility.