their fault

USAGE SUMMARY

"their fault" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase can be used whenever you are attributing fault or blame to someone or something. For example, "It was their fault for not paying attention to the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's both their fault".

The New York Times

This isn't their fault.

Independent

So it's their fault".

The New York Times - Sports

It isn't their fault.

Independent

It's their fault".

The New Yorker

Will it be their fault?

Independent

I think it's their fault.

The New York Times

This is not their fault.

The New York Times

"That's their fault," Martin said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's almost not their fault.

The New Yorker

It is partly their fault.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning blame, be specific about the actions or omissions that constitute "their fault". Clarity prevents misunderstandings and promotes accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "their fault" as a blanket statement without providing supporting evidence or context. This can lead to unfair accusations and damage relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their fault" functions primarily as a noun phrase that attributes blame or responsibility to a specific group or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "their fault" is a common and grammatically sound way to assign blame or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. While its usage is straightforward, it's important to consider the context and potential implications of assigning blame directly. Alternative phrases, such as "their responsibility" or "they are to blame", can offer a more nuanced approach. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its role in reporting and analyzing events where accountability is a key factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are to blame

Shifts the focus to the people "they" and uses the verb "to blame" instead of the noun "fault".

they are responsible

Similar to "they are to blame" but uses "responsible", emphasizing accountability.

their responsibility

Replaces "fault" with "responsibility", focusing on the obligation rather than the error.

their culpability

Substitutes "fault" with a more formal term, "culpability", indicating blameworthiness.

they made an error

Expresses fault by stating that "they" committed a mistake.

the responsibility lies with them

Rephrases to highlight where the responsibility is located.

the mistake was theirs

Highlights ownership of the mistake rather than direct blame.

they erred

Uses the verb "erred" implying a mistake or deviation from what is correct.

they are the cause

Focuses on causation, implying that their actions led to the negative outcome.

attributable to them

A formal way of saying something can be assigned to them as the cause or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "their fault" in a sentence?

You can use "their fault" to assign blame or responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "The project failed because it was "their fault" for not meeting the deadline".

What are some alternatives to saying "their fault"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "their responsibility", "they are to blame", or "their culpability" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it always appropriate to say "their fault"?

While grammatically correct, using "their fault" can sound accusatory. Consider the context and relationship with the individuals involved before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "their fault" and "our fault"?

"Their fault" assigns blame to a third party, while "our fault" indicates shared responsibility within a group. For example, "The mistake was "their fault"" versus "The mistake was "our fault" because we didn't communicate effectively".