A2 Expression محايد 3 دقيقة للقراءة

That's my fault

Blame acceptance

Use this phrase to quickly take responsibility and move past a mistake with grace.

في 15 ثانية

  • Use it to admit you made a mistake.
  • Shows you are taking responsibility and being honest.
  • Works in both casual and professional settings.

المعنى

This phrase is used to admit you made a mistake. It tells people you are taking responsibility for something that went wrong.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Spilling a drink

Oh no, that's my fault, let me get a napkin.

Oh no, that's my fault, let me get a napkin.

🤝
2

Missing a work deadline

I didn't send the report on time; that's my fault.

I didn't send the report on time; that's my fault.

💼
3

Texting a friend after being late

Still at the house, that's totally my fault! Be there in 10.

Still at the house, that's totally my fault! Be there in 10.

😊
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

In many Western cultures, admitting a mistake is seen as a 'power move' that builds trust. The phrase became a staple of professional accountability in the late 20th century. It reflects a cultural shift toward transparency rather than hiding errors to save face.

💡

The 'Quick Fix' Rule

Follow the phrase with a solution. Say: 'That's my fault, let me fix it.' It makes you look proactive!

⚠️

Don't Over-Apologize

If you say it too much for things that aren't your fault, people might start to think you are actually incompetent.

في 15 ثانية

  • Use it to admit you made a mistake.
  • Shows you are taking responsibility and being honest.
  • Works in both casual and professional settings.

What It Means

That's my fault is the ultimate 'oops' phrase. You use it when you realize you did something wrong. It is direct and honest. It stops people from guessing who messed up. You are putting your hand up and saying, 'I am the one.' It is a simple way to show you are responsible. It helps clear the air immediately.

How To Use It

Put this phrase right at the start of your apology. You can say it alone or add a reason. For example, That's my fault, I forgot the keys. It works perfectly in spoken English and text messages. You can also say It's my fault for the same meaning. If you want to be stronger, add totally. Saying That is totally my fault shows you really feel bad. It is a very flexible tool for your social kit.

When To Use It

Use it when the mistake is clear and yours. Use it at a restaurant if you spill water. Use it at work if you miss a deadline. Use it with friends if you are late. It is great for small accidents. It also works for bigger errors. It shows you have a strong character. People usually forgive you faster when you admit it first. It is much better than making excuses.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if you did nothing wrong. Some people say it just to be nice. This can make you look weak or confused. Also, avoid it in very serious legal situations. In a car accident, lawyers often say not to admit fault immediately. Don't use it if someone else is clearly to blame. You don't need to be a hero for someone else's mess. Finally, don't over-use it for tiny things. If you say it every five minutes, it loses its power.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, taking 'ownership' is highly valued. People respect those who admit mistakes quickly. It is seen as a sign of maturity. In the US and UK, avoiding blame is often seen as annoying. There is a famous saying: 'Own your mistakes.' This phrase is the easiest way to do that. It helps build trust in friendships and jobs. It is a small phrase that carries a lot of respect.

Common Variations

  • My bad (Very casual, use with friends)
  • I take full responsibility (Very formal, use at work)
  • That's on me (Cool and modern, very common now)
  • I messed up (Focuses on the action you did)
  • Silly me (For very small, funny mistakes)

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This phrase is neutral and safe for 99% of situations. It is less casual than 'My bad' but less formal than 'I accept full responsibility.'

💡

The 'Quick Fix' Rule

Follow the phrase with a solution. Say: 'That's my fault, let me fix it.' It makes you look proactive!

⚠️

Don't Over-Apologize

If you say it too much for things that aren't your fault, people might start to think you are actually incompetent.

💬

The 'My Bad' Secret

In the US, 'My bad' is the younger, cooler cousin of 'That's my fault.' Use it if you are under 40 and with friends.

أمثلة

6
#1 Spilling a drink
🤝

Oh no, that's my fault, let me get a napkin.

Oh no, that's my fault, let me get a napkin.

A quick reaction to a physical accident.

#2 Missing a work deadline
💼

I didn't send the report on time; that's my fault.

I didn't send the report on time; that's my fault.

Professional accountability in a meeting.

#3 Texting a friend after being late
😊

Still at the house, that's totally my fault! Be there in 10.

Still at the house, that's totally my fault! Be there in 10.

Using 'totally' to emphasize the apology via text.

#4 Forgetting an anniversary
💭

I completely forgot our dinner date, that's my fault and I'm so sorry.

I completely forgot our dinner date, that's my fault and I'm so sorry.

Shows deep sincerity in a personal relationship.

#5 A funny misunderstanding
😄

I thought you said 'bring a cat' not 'bring a hat,' that's my fault!

I thought you said 'bring a cat' not 'bring a hat,' that's my fault!

Lighthearted use for a silly error.

#6 Formal apology to a client
👔

The error in the contract is my fault; I will fix it immediately.

The error in the contract is my fault; I will fix it immediately.

Direct and professional without being overly emotional.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a serious mistake.

I lost the keys. That is ___ my fault.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: totally

'Totally' adds emphasis, showing you fully accept the blame.

Which phrase is most appropriate for a quick mistake with a close friend?

I forgot to call you back. ___!

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: My bad

'My bad' is a very common, casual variation of 'that's my fault'.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Ways to Say You Messed Up

Very Casual

Used with friends for small things.

My bad!

Neutral

Safe for almost any situation.

That's my fault.

Formal

Used in professional or serious settings.

I take full responsibility.

When to say 'That's my fault'

That's my fault
💼

At the Office

Missing a file

With Friends

Being late

🍽️

At Home

Breaking a dish

🚶

Public

Bumping into someone

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, it is very polite and honest. It shows you respect the other person enough to tell the truth.

Absolutely. Bosses usually prefer That's my fault over excuses like The computer was slow.

They are almost identical. That's usually refers to a specific event that just happened, while It's is more general.

It is common to combine them. For example: I'm sorry, that's my fault.

Yes, but My bad is very informal. Don't use My bad if you break something expensive or in a job interview.

Yes, This is my fault works well if you are currently looking at the mistake, like a broken vase.

You can say That's partly my fault or I take some of the blame.

Yes, it is very common in work emails. Example: I missed the attachment; that's my fault.

No, in English-speaking cultures, it usually sounds confident and trustworthy.

You can say No worries, It happens, or Thanks for letting me know.

عبارات ذات صلة

My bad

Casual way to admit a small mistake.

That's on me

Modern way to accept responsibility or pay for something.

I take the blame

A more formal way to accept responsibility.

I messed up

Admitting you performed an action incorrectly.

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