was to blame for

USAGE SUMMARY

"was to blame for" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate someone's culpability in a situation. For example: "He was to blame for the delay in delivering the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who was to blame for that?

The New Yorker

Who was to blame for this?

The New York Times

Who was to blame for your troubles?

The New York Times - Magazine

Someone was to blame for that.

The New Yorker

Slavery was to blame for that narrative.

Harvard University

Populism was to blame for Brexit, right?

The New York Times

Dr. Groom was to blame for this.

The New Yorker

Who was to blame for the inertia?

The Guardian

Who was to blame for it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She decided that Wilena was to blame for this.

The New Yorker

In other words, everyone was to blame for our problems.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully when assigning blame. Sometimes, multiple factors contribute to an outcome, and assigning blame to a single entity can be an oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "was to blame for" excessively, especially in situations that call for objective analysis rather than assigning fault. Overuse can make your writing sound accusatory and biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was to blame for" functions as a predicate nominative or adjective phrase, attributing fault or responsibility for a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was to blame for" is a common and grammatically sound way to assign responsibility for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI validates its usage, confirming it is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While direct and effective, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring there's a solid basis for the attribution and being mindful of the potential for bias. When aiming for a more neutral or formal tone, consider alternatives such as "was responsible for" or "was accountable for". By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can make informed choices about how to best express the concept of blame in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was responsible for

Indicates direct accountability or duty regarding a particular outcome.

was accountable for

Highlights the obligation to answer for the consequences of an action or decision.

was at fault for

Directly attributes error or negligence as the cause of an event.

carried the responsibility for

Emphasizes the burden or weight associated with being in charge of something.

was culpable for

Implies moral blameworthiness or guilt in causing a negative outcome.

bore the responsibility for

Similar to 'carried the responsibility', but suggests a more passive acceptance of the obligation.

was the reason for

Focuses on the causal relationship without necessarily assigning blame.

caused

A more concise way of stating that someone or something brought about a specific result.

precipitated

Suggests a hastening or bringing on of an event, often with negative connotations.

was instrumental in

Implies a significant contributing factor, though not necessarily negative.

FAQs

What does "was to blame for" mean?

The phrase "was to blame for" indicates that someone or something is considered responsible for a negative outcome or situation. It implies fault or culpability.

How can I use "was to blame for" in a sentence?

You can use "was to blame for" to attribute responsibility, such as: "The driver "was to blame for" the accident" or "Poor planning "was to blame for" the project's failure".

What are some alternatives to saying "was to blame for"?

Alternatives include "was responsible for", "was accountable for", "was at fault for", or simply "caused", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "was to blame for" in formal writing?

While "was to blame for" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "was responsible for" or "was accountable for" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a more objective tone.