taking the blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the blame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to accepting responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "After the project failed, Sarah was the first to step up, taking the blame for the oversight in planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scott was taking the blame.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm taking the blame for it.

The New York Times - Sports

Just lay there, taking the blame.

The New Yorker

Taking the blame serves as an example.

Harvard Business Review

We are fed up of taking the blame.

The Guardian

A delightful way of taking the blame for something.

The Guardian

He's been taking the blame his whole career.

The New York Times - Sports

Senussi, Ms Farkash says, is taking the blame for the crimes of others.

Independent

He was taking the blame with him, onto the team bus, and beyond.

The New York Times - Sports

Collins was far from alone in taking the blame for the offense.

The New York Times - Sports

The president, Yoichiro Kaizaki, denied that he was taking the blame for the episode.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking the blame" when you want to emphasize the act of accepting responsibility for a specific error or failure. It's suitable in contexts where accountability is important.

Common error

While "taking the blame" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "accepting responsibility" or "assuming responsibility" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the blame" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of accepting responsibility or fault for something. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in diverse scenarios, from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking the blame" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express acceptance of responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, but is most prevalent in news and media. While direct and clear, varying your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "accepting responsibility" or "assuming responsibility" can enrich your writing. When aiming for accuracy and conveying a clear message of accountability, "taking the blame" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accepting responsibility

Focuses on the act of acknowledging fault, a more formal alternative.

Shouldering the blame

Emphasizes the burden of responsibility, implying a heavier consequence.

Assuming responsibility

Highlights the act of taking on the duty to answer for something.

Admitting fault

Focuses on the acknowledgement of making a mistake.

Owning the mistake

Stresses personal accountability for an error.

Taking ownership

Implies accepting control and accountability for a situation or error.

Facing the music

Suggests accepting the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

Carrying the can

Indicates being saddled with the responsibility, often unfairly.

Being held accountable

Highlights the external imposition of responsibility.

Falling on one's sword

Implies taking the blame to protect others, often involving personal sacrifice.

FAQs

What does "taking the blame" mean?

"Taking the blame" signifies accepting responsibility for a mistake, error, or wrongdoing. It implies acknowledging one's role in a negative outcome and being willing to face the consequences.

How can I use "taking the blame" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the blame" in sentences like: "The CEO was "taking the blame" for the company's financial losses" or "Instead of shifting responsibility, he stepped up and started "taking the blame"."

What are some alternatives to "taking the blame"?

Alternatives to "taking the blame" include "accepting responsibility", "assuming responsibility", "admitting fault", or "shouldering the blame". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "taking the blame" the same as "taking responsibility"?

While similar, "taking the blame" often emphasizes accepting fault for something negative, while "taking responsibility" can encompass broader accountability for actions and outcomes, not necessarily negative. For example while "taking the blame" implies fault, "taking responsibility" can relate to positive or neutral situations.