whose fault is it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose fault is it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about responsibility or blame for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "After the project failed, everyone was left wondering whose fault it is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

So whose fault is it?

Independent

But whose fault is it?

The New Yorker

And whose fault is it?

The New York Times

When people ask me, whose fault is it?

The Washington Post

"And whose fault is it that you don't have any money?

The New Yorker

But whose fault is it, really, if they come off badly?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

So whose fault was it?

The New York Times - Health

When it proved to be just that, whose fault was it?

The New York Times

"Then whose fault was it?" Judith looked around for a moment, and her eyes settled, rather happily, on Max.

The New Yorker

So now the blame game begins – whose fault was it that Labour and the Liberal Democrats failed to strike a deal?

The Guardian - Opinion

A: They keep blaming each other - whose fault was it really?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whose fault is it" when you want to identify who or what caused a problem or failure. Ensure the context makes it clear what situation you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "whose fault is it" when the cause is systemic or shared among multiple parties. In such cases, consider phrases like "what factors contributed to this?" or "how did this happen?" for a more nuanced approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose fault is it" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the cause of a problem or failure. It is used to identify the person or entity responsible for an undesirable outcome. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in asking for accountability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose fault is it" is a common interrogative phrase used to assign blame or responsibility for a particular situation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, the phrase can carry accusatory undertones depending on the situation. To avoid misusing this phrase, consider whether assigning blame is the most constructive approach, especially in situations with shared or systemic causes. Alternatives like "who is responsible" or "who is to blame" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Who is at fault?

Identical in meaning, using a slightly different prepositional phrase.

Who is to blame?

Directly assigns blame, similar in meaning but more concise.

Who is responsible?

Focuses on responsibility rather than fault, slightly more neutral.

Whose responsibility is this?

Similar to "who is responsible?" but framed as a question of ownership.

Who should be held responsible?

Focuses on the action of assigning responsibility.

Where does the blame lie?

Shifts the focus to the location of blame rather than a specific person.

Who is accountable?

Emphasizes accountability, often in a formal context.

Who carries the can?

Idiomatic expression indicating who will bear the consequences.

Who dropped the ball?

Idiomatic expression for failing to fulfill a responsibility.

Who messed up?

Informal way of asking who made a mistake.

FAQs

What does "whose fault is it" mean?

The phrase "whose fault is it" is used to inquire about who or what is to blame for a particular situation or outcome. It seeks to identify the responsible party or cause.

How can I use "whose fault is it" in a sentence?

You can use "whose fault is it" to ask directly about the cause of a problem. For example, "The project failed; "who is to blame"?" or "If the shipment is late, "who is responsible"?".

What are some alternatives to saying "whose fault is it"?

Alternatives include "who is to blame", "who is responsible", or "who is at fault". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to ask "whose fault is it"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the situation is already emotionally charged or if assigning blame is not constructive. In such cases, focusing on solutions or understanding contributing factors might be more helpful.