Accuse vs. Blame: What's the Difference?

Accuse and blame are two words that are often confused, especially by teenage English learners. While both words relate to holding someone responsible for something, there are key differences. Accuse suggests that you believe someone has done something wrong and are making a formal claim about it. Blame, on the other hand, suggests that something bad happened because of someone or something. It's a less formal way of saying something was someone's fault. In short, accusing is stronger and often involves proof, while blaming is more about expressing responsibility or assigning fault.

Here are some examples to help you understand the difference:

Example 1: English: The police accused him of theft. Translation: Polisi menuduhnya melakukan pencurian.

Example 2: English: I blame myself for the accident. Translation: Saya menyalahkan diri saya sendiri atas kecelakaan itu.

Example 3: English: She accused her brother of breaking the vase. Translation: Dia menuduh saudaranya memecahkan vas.

Example 4: English: The teacher blamed the students for the noisy classroom. Translation: Guru menyalahkan para siswa atas kelas yang berisik.

Example 5: English: The company accused the rival firm of unfair business practices. Translation: Perusahaan itu menuduh perusahaan saingan melakukan praktik bisnis yang tidak adil.

Example 6: English: My mom blamed the dog for chewing up my homework. Translation: Ibu saya menyalahkan anjing atas pekerjaan rumahku yang dikunyah.

Understanding the subtle differences between accuse and blame can help you speak English more accurately. Use the correct word to communicate your intended meaning clearly and confidently. Happy learning!

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