who is to blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "who is to blame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to question who is responsible for an event or situation. For example: "The accident was serious, but who is to blame?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Who is to blame?

The New York Times

But who is to blame?

The New York Times

And who is to blame?

The New York Times

Now who is to blame here?

Independent

Who is to blame for this mess?

The Economist

Davidson also weighs who is to blame.

The New Yorker

And who is to blame for that?

The Economist

Who is to blame for all this?

The Guardian - Sport

Who is to blame in these episodes?

The New York Times

What or who is to blame?

The New York Times

Who is to blame for this debacle?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "who is to blame", consider the context and whether assigning blame is constructive or if focusing on solutions would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "who is to blame" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound accusatory. Opt for alternatives like "who bears the responsibility" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who is to blame" functions as an interrogative phrase used to identify the person or entity responsible for a particular undesirable outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "who is to blame" is a common interrogative used to identify the responsible party for a negative situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "who bears the responsibility" or "who is accountable" can offer a more formal or less accusatory tone. While the phrase is widely used, it's important to consider the context and potential impact of assigning blame versus focusing on solutions. Overusing "who is to blame" in formal settings can be perceived negatively, making alternative phrasings preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who is at fault

Directly points to the one responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing.

who is responsible for this

Asks directly about responsibility in a specific situation.

whose fault is it

A more direct and potentially accusatory way of asking about blame.

who bears the responsibility

Focuses on the general responsibility rather than direct fault.

who is accountable

Highlights the aspect of being held responsible for one's actions.

who should be held responsible

Focuses on the act of holding someone accountable.

who is the culprit

Implies a wrongdoing or crime has been committed.

who is to be held liable

Focuses on legal or formal responsibility.

who carries the can

An idiomatic way to ask who will take the blame or consequences.

who takes the rap

Similar to 'carries the can', implying blame and punishment.

FAQs

How can I use "who is to blame" in a sentence?

You can use "who is to blame" to inquire about responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "The project failed, but "who is to blame"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "who is to blame"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "who bears the responsibility" or "who is accountable" to sound less accusatory.

Is it always appropriate to ask "who is to blame"?

No, it's not always appropriate. In situations where focusing on solutions is more important than assigning blame, consider reframing the question. Instead of ""who is to blame"?", you might ask, "How can we prevent this from happening again?"

What is the difference between "who is to blame" and "whose fault is it"?

"Who is to blame" is slightly more formal and neutral, while "whose fault is it" is more direct and can sound accusatory or emotional. The choice depends on the context and the tone you want to convey.