Delegate responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Delegate responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of assigning tasks or duties to others, often in a professional or organizational context. Example: "As a manager, it's important to delegate responsibility to your team members to ensure efficiency and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Delegate responsibility and authority, not just the task.

Forbes

I know how to delegate responsibility".

The New York Times

They in turn would delegate responsibility to operational managers.

Independent

Mrs. Clinton has also become more willing to delegate responsibility.

The New York Times

Dr. McCoy said he preferred to delegate responsibility.

The New York Times

The ability to make decisions, delegate responsibility, and achieve results.

Cornell University

It's clear he understood the ramifications of each option and was emotionally prepared to delegate responsibility.

The New York Times

Some people who delegate responsibility are very successful, and some who do it aren't.

The New York Times - Sports

He was unable to delegate responsibility outside a very small circle".

The Guardian

If you're part of the leadership, you can't delegate responsibility for your company's direction.

Harvard Business Review

She instructed each of her direct reports to delegate responsibility as much as possible.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "delegate responsibility", ensure the person has the necessary resources, authority, and training to succeed. This fosters ownership and accountability.

Common error

Avoid simply dumping tasks on others without providing adequate guidance or support. This can lead to errors and resentment. Clear communication and ongoing feedback are essential for successful delegation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delegate responsibility" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, describing the act of assigning duties and entrusting authority to another party. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, from business management to political strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delegate responsibility" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of assigning tasks and authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. Effective delegation involves entrusting tasks to others with the necessary resources and support. Common errors include over-delegating without adequate guidance. Alternatives include "assign responsibility" and "entrust with responsibility". Employing this phrase effectively can foster growth and improve organizational efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assign responsibility

Focuses on the act of assigning without necessarily implying empowerment or trust.

Entrust with responsibility

Emphasizes the element of trust in giving someone a responsibility.

Pass on responsibility

Suggests a transfer of responsibility from oneself to another.

Hand over responsibility

Similar to 'pass on', but with a more definitive sense of relinquishing control.

Devolve responsibility

Implies decentralization of responsibility from a central authority.

Share responsibility

Highlights a collaborative approach where responsibility is distributed among multiple parties.

Allocate responsibility

Focuses on the systematic distribution of responsibilities.

Transfer accountability

Highlights the shift of accountability along with the task.

Give authority

Emphasizes giving power to execute a task.

Empower subordinates

Stresses enabling others to take ownership and make decisions.

FAQs

How to effectively "delegate responsibility" in a team setting?

Start by clearly defining the task, selecting the right person with the necessary skills, providing adequate resources, and offering support and feedback throughout the process. Regularly check in on progress, but avoid micromanaging.

What's the difference between "delegate responsibility" and simply assigning a task?

"Delegate responsibility" involves entrusting someone with ownership and decision-making authority over a task, whereas simply assigning a task is just giving someone something to do without necessarily granting them the power to make independent choices. When you "assign tasks" you are simply assigning duties.

What are the potential downsides of failing to "delegate responsibility"?

Failing to "delegate responsibility" can lead to overburdened managers, slower decision-making, decreased employee morale, and limited opportunities for team members to develop new skills.

Which is more effective, "delegate responsibility" or maintain control?

The most effective approach depends on the context. While maintaining control might seem appealing, "delegate responsibility" empowers your team, fosters growth, and allows you to focus on strategic initiatives. It is important to find the right balance.