without blame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without blame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not being held responsible for a particular situation or action. Example: "She completed the project without blame, despite the challenges that arose during the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The collision was without blame.

The New York Times - Sports

The cat is without blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

They speak without blame or even protest.

Columbia University

Rangers are not without blame here.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that we were without blame.

The Guardian

Nor is America itself without blame.

The New York Times

"I am certainly not without blame," he said Friday.

The New York Times

The time has come to introduce the option of divorce without blame," added Mr Bacon.

Independent

Mr. Obama defended himself, but was quick to admit that he is not without blame.

The New York Times

Russia and France (and, to a lesser extent, Germany) are not without blame in this crackup.

The New Yorker

Not that farming is without blame for negative effects on the environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without blame" to clearly indicate the absence of responsibility, especially in situations where accountability is a key concern. For example, in legal or ethical discussions, stating that someone acted "without blame" clarifies their position.

Common error

Avoid using "without blame" when there is a clear need for someone to take responsibility. Overusing it can diminish accountability and prevent necessary learning or corrective actions. For instance, in team projects where errors occur, using this phrase may discourage the team to identify the errors and learn from the mistakes. A better phrasing could be "the error happened, let's review the process in order to prevent it from happening again."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without blame" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It clarifies that something occurs or is done in a way that avoids assigning fault or responsibility, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without blame" is a versatile expression used to denote the absence of culpability or responsibility in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in both news and academic writing. While alternatives like "blameless" or "not at fault" exist, "without blame" offers a nuanced way to indicate moral innocence or lack of accountability. It’s important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the situation's context to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blameless

A single word emphasizing the lack of responsibility.

not at fault

Directly states the absence of responsibility for a negative outcome.

innocent

Suggests a lack of involvement or wrongdoing.

exonerated

Implies a formal clearing of blame or charges.

absolved of responsibility

Formally releases someone from accountability.

cleared of charges

Indicates that accusations have been dismissed.

held unaccountable

Highlights the lack of expectation to answer for something.

not to be blamed

Passive construction emphasizing that blame should not be assigned.

free from culpability

Emphasizes the lack of moral or legal responsibility.

beyond reproach

Suggests conduct that is above criticism or blame.

FAQs

How can I use "without blame" in a sentence?

The phrase "without blame" is used to indicate that someone or something is not responsible for a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The accident was determined to be an act of nature, and the company was found to be "without blame"".

What are some phrases similar to "without blame"?

Alternatives to "without blame" include "not at fault", "blameless", or "innocent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "without blame" or "not responsible"?

"Without blame" and "not responsible" are often interchangeable, but "without blame" carries a stronger connotation of moral innocence, while "not responsible" simply means lacking legal or formal accountability. The choice depends on whether you wish to emphasize moral innocence or just the absence of duty.

Can "without blame" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "without blame" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts to denote a lack of culpability. Ensure the context clearly supports the assertion to avoid ambiguity.