we are to blame for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are to blame for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging responsibility for a mistake or negative outcome. Example: "After reviewing the project's failure, we realized that we are to blame for the lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

WE are to blame for the 20 innocent children killed this week in Newtown, CT.

Huffington Post

And by "we" I mean this collective society in which we live... the same way that "we" are to blame for Congress: We put up with the insanity.

HuffPost

"We are to blame" for what ends up on screen, Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times - Arts

We are to blame for our diseases because we interfered with nature.

The Guardian

"We are to blame for all the misery in the world and therefore all the imperfections of our surroundings.

The New York Times

"In some ways we are to blame for where we are and what people are saying about India.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Such language regurgitates a near-constant theme in climate change movies: that the universalizing "we" is to blame for apocalyptic flooding and hurricanes and hail and fires and drought and pestilence.

Vice

We're to blame for the mess in Gracie Mansion.

The New York Times

We are a good side in a a difficult moment but we stuck at it". "We're to blame for not getting the right result tonight for the way we played.

BBC

Only we were to blame for believing it and then going on to make it real. .

Vice

"And then the same hypocrites come in and suggest we're to blame for this". .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tone; while direct, this phrase can sound accusatory. Consider softening the language if the goal is to foster collaboration rather than assign blame.

Common error

Avoid using "we are to blame for" when the responsibility is not collective or when the scope of the blame is too broad. Instead, specify who is responsible and for what specific actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are to blame for" functions as a statement of responsibility or culpability. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that a group or entity acknowledges its role in a negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are to blame for" is a grammatically sound way to accept responsibility for a negative outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively straightforward, it's important to be mindful of the tone, opting for softer alternatives like "we are responsible for" in situations where collaboration is paramount. The phrase carries a degree of formality and can be useful to improve your writing by avoiding to "Overgeneralizing Responsibility".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are responsible for

This alternative uses the word "responsible" instead of "to blame", indicating a duty or obligation rather than fault.

we take the blame for

This phrase emphasizes the act of accepting responsibility for something negative.

we are accountable for

This suggests that "we" must answer for the consequences of an action or decision.

we are at fault for

This phrase directly indicates that "we" made an error or mistake.

we are the cause of

This indicates that "we" directly brought about a particular outcome, often negative.

we are the reason for

Similar to "we are the cause of", this phrase emphasizes the agency in bringing about a situation.

the fault lies with us for

This alternative places the blame directly on "us" using a slightly more formal tone.

we are the guilty party in

This is a more accusatory and formal way of stating responsibility.

we bear the responsibility for

This highlights the weight and burden of being responsible.

we are culpable for

This alternative uses a more legalistic term, "culpable", to denote blameworthiness.

FAQs

What's a less accusatory way to say "we are to blame for"?

Consider using phrases like "we are responsible for" or "we take responsibility for" to soften the tone while still acknowledging accountability.

Is it ever appropriate to use "we are to blame for" in a formal setting?

Yes, but use it judiciously. In formal settings, it's often better to focus on solutions and accountability rather than dwelling on blame. Alternatives like "we are accountable for" may be more suitable.

How can I make it clear who "we" refers to when using "we are to blame for"?

Provide context! For example, instead of saying "We are to blame for the project's failure", say "The management team is to blame for the project's failure due to poor planning".

What's the difference between "we are to blame for" and "we are at fault for"?

The phrase "we are at fault for" often implies a mistake or error, while "we are to blame for" can encompass a broader range of responsibilities, including negligence or intentional actions.