the blame lies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the blame lies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing, often in discussions about accountability or fault. Example: "In this situation, the blame lies with the management for not addressing the issues sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the blame lies with investors.

The Economist

That aside, the blame lies at home.

The Economist

But the blame lies with Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

The blame lies with both sides.

The Guardian

But most of the blame lies elsewhere.

The New York Times

Much of the blame lies with energy prices.

The Economist

Instead the blame lies with the shrinkage of its economy.

The Economist

Much of the blame lies with our patent system.

The New Yorker

He is clear about where most of the blame lies.

Independent

Part of the blame lies with the cable industry.

The Economist

He has no doubt where the blame lies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "The blame lies" can sound accusatory, so choose it judiciously in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex situations by attributing blame to a single entity when multiple factors may be involved. Acknowledge shared or contributing responsibilities for a more balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the blame lies" functions as a declarative statement used to assign responsibility or fault for a particular situation. Ludwig AI shows its prevalent usage in contexts where accountability is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the blame lies" is a common and grammatically correct way to assign responsibility, according to Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal business and scientific writings. The phrase functions to clearly identify culpability for a negative outcome, carrying a neutral to professional tone. While useful for pinpointing responsibility, careful consideration should be given to the accusatory nature of this phrase and the potential for oversimplification. When writing, remember to ensure clarity in who or what is being blamed and avoid attributing blame too narrowly in complex situations. Alternatives like "responsibility falls on" or "the fault rests with" may offer a more nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fault rests with

Emphasizes the origin of the mistake or error.

responsibility falls on

Focuses on the obligation to address an issue rather than direct fault.

accountability lies with

Highlights formal responsibility and oversight.

the onus is on

Highlights the burden of proof or action required.

culpability rests on

Strongly implies guilt or wrongdoing.

the responsibility is attributable to

More formal and precise in assigning accountability.

the problem stems from

Suggests the issue originates from a specific root cause.

the source of the problem is

Shifts focus from blame to identifying the origin of a difficulty.

the root cause is

Emphasizes finding the fundamental reason for an issue.

the origin can be traced to

Indicates a more investigative approach to understanding the cause.

FAQs

How do I use "the blame lies" in a sentence?

Use "the blame lies" to pinpoint where responsibility for a fault or problem resides. For example, "In this instance, "the blame lies with" the project manager for failing to meet deadlines."

What can I say instead of "the blame lies"?

Alternatives include "responsibility falls on", "the fault rests with", or "the onus is on", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the blame lies with" or "the responsibility lies with"?

"The blame lies with" emphasizes fault, while "the responsibility lies with" highlights accountability and the duty to act. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation's focus.

What's the difference between "the blame lies" and "the cause lies"?

"The blame lies" assigns responsibility for a negative outcome. "The cause lies" identifies the origin of a situation, which may not necessarily be negative. For example, "The cause lies in the lack of funding" simply states the origin, while "the blame lies with the administrators" implies fault.