tend to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a common behavior or tendency of individuals or groups to assign fault or responsibility to someone or something. Example: "In difficult situations, people often tend to blame external factors rather than taking responsibility for their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But when people are suffering, they tend to blame incumbents.

The Economist

The opponents tend to blame Russia for the conflict.

The Washington Post

The government and aid agencies tend to blame each other.

The New York Times

Economists tend to blame others for being too lazy or too stupid to understand their textbooks.

The Economist

Clinic workers confirm that women who have imperfect babies tend to blame doctors.

The Economist

But voters anxious about the economy do tend to blame the party in power.

The New York Times

What is sad about this is that people tend to blame themselves when weight loss fails.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We tend to blame everything on drought but that's an 'easy out'.

The Guardian

Fowler and his cabinet secretaries tend to blame Nemerov (Mr. Hinds), the new Russian president.

The New York Times

They tend to blame Wal-Mart for their problems, for stealing business from downtown.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We tend to blame managers when they fail to create speak-up cultures.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms to "tend to blame", such as "attribute fault" or "hold accountable", for varied expression and greater nuance in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to blame" without providing sufficient evidence or context. Overgeneralizing can lead to unfair accusations and weaken your argument. Always ensure there's a logical connection between the tendency to blame and the situation at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to blame" functions as a verb phrase that describes a common or habitual action of assigning fault or responsibility. It is often used to express a general inclination rather than a specific instance of blame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tend to blame" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that expresses a general inclination to assign fault or responsibility. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While it's important to use it with appropriate context and evidence to avoid overgeneralization, it remains a valuable tool for analyzing and discussing behavioral patterns in writing and speech. To enhance your writing, consider using the suggested alternatives like "are inclined to hold responsible" or "often attribute responsibility" for greater nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are inclined to hold responsible

Emphasizes inclination or predisposition to assign responsibility.

are prone to attribute fault

Highlights a tendency to assign fault or error.

lean towards holding accountable

Indicates a leaning or preference for holding someone accountable.

have a habit of faulting

Focuses on the habitual nature of finding fault.

are apt to hold liable

Suggests a natural tendency to consider someone liable.

are wont to accuse

Highlights a customary or habitual act of accusing.

often attribute responsibility

Highlights the frequency of attributing responsibility.

commonly hold accountable

Indicates a common practice of holding accountable.

frequently assign culpability

Emphasizes the frequent assignment of culpability or guilt.

generally place the onus on

Indicates a general tendency to place the burden or responsibility on someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "tend to blame" to describe a common inclination to attribute fault or responsibility. For example, "Voters anxious about the economy do "tend to blame" the party in power."

What are some alternatives to "tend to blame"?

Alternatives include "are inclined to hold responsible", "are prone to attribute fault", or "often attribute responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "tend to blame" or "often blame"?

Both "tend to blame" and "often blame" are acceptable. "Tend to blame" suggests a general inclination, while "often blame" emphasizes the frequency of the action. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "tend to blame" and "are responsible for"?

"Tend to blame" describes the act of assigning fault, while "are responsible for" indicates actual accountability. One phrase describes an opinion, and the other describes a fact.