下面是《大学英语四级考试常见错误分析》(p.6)对 at fault 与 in fault 的正误分析：
“误: You were in fault for telling the truth to the poor old lady so early.
正: You were at fault for telling the truth to the poor old lady so early.
译:你不该那么早把实情告诉那位可怜的老妇人。
析: at fault = in the wrong, at a loss, inaccurate
My memory was at fault. 我记错了。
in fault 有过错,有责任:Who is in fault for having posted the invitation so late? 邀请信这么迟才寄出,是谁的过失?”
您是否同意上面的说法？
实际上, at fault 与 in fault 在现代英语里并不存在这样的区别。at fault 可以表示上面提到的两种意思：
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It was in 1976, I believe, if my memory is not at fault. (EED) 我认为那是在 1976 年，如果我没有记错的话。
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Which driver was at fault (in the wrong) in the car crash? (LASED) 在这次撞车事故中是哪一个司机的过错？
偶尔也用 in fault 来表示上面的两种意思：
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You were in fault for having been so rude. 你那么粗鲁是不对的。
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The hound was in fault. 是猎犬的过错。
由此可见，完全没有必要让学生花时间和精力去纠正这样的“错误”。
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The traffic police were searching for evidence to prove the accused man's ____, but in vain. A. mistake B. guilt C. fault D. defect(全国六级,96.1-67)
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When the engine would not start, the mechanic inspected all the parts to find what was at ____. A. wrong B. trouble C. fault D. difficulty(全国研考,95-28)