their own fault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their own fault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is responsible for a negative outcome or situation that has occurred. Example: "When the project failed, it was clear that it was their own fault for not following the guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's their own fault!

The New Yorker

Partly, it's their own fault.

The New Yorker

It's their own fault.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's their own fault.

The Guardian

So it's their own fault really.

The Guardian

That was largely their own fault.

The Guardian

What if it was their own fault?

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet much of Toulon's troubles have been their own fault.

Independent

The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits".

Independent

Some can't recoup, though not through their own fault.

The New York Times

It's their own fault they've conceded two penalties.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their own fault", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'they' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This is especially important in longer or more complex sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "their own fault" when there are external factors significantly contributing to the situation. Overlooking these factors can lead to unfair or inaccurate assessments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their own fault" functions as an attributive phrase, assigning blame or responsibility for a negative outcome. As Ludwig AI shows, it often concludes an explanation for why something went wrong. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from business failures to personal misfortunes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "their own fault" is a common and grammatically sound way to attribute blame or responsibility for a negative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "their responsibility" or "their mistake" exist, "their own fault" carries a stronger connotation of direct culpability. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, considering potential external factors and avoiding unfair or insensitive judgements. Proper context and clear identification of the 'they' are essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their responsibility

Shifts the focus to accountability rather than direct blame.

their mistake

Highlights an error made by them, implying responsibility.

due to their actions

Emphasizes the causal link between their actions and the outcome.

a consequence of their choices

Focuses on the outcome as a direct result of decisions made.

they brought it upon themselves

An idiomatic expression indicating self-inflicted hardship.

self-inflicted

A more formal term implying that they caused the problem.

attributable to their negligence

Highlights a failure to exercise reasonable care.

the result of their oversight

Focuses on a missed detail or lack of attention.

stemming from their poor judgement

Emphasizes bad decision-making as the root cause.

they have only themselves to blame

Directly assigns blame to them and no one else.

FAQs

What does "their own fault" mean?

The phrase "their own fault" indicates that someone or a group is responsible for a negative outcome because of their actions, inactions, or decisions.

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

You can use it to express that someone is to blame for something that happened. For example: "If the company failed, it was "their own fault" for not adapting to the market changes."

What are some alternatives to saying "their own fault"?

Alternatives include "their responsibility", "their mistake", or "due to their actions", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "their own fault"?

Yes, it's inappropriate when external factors significantly contribute to the situation or when assigning blame without considering the full context. Using it without sensitivity can also be hurtful.