I take responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I take responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging accountability for an action or decision, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "I take responsibility for the project's failure and will work to rectify the issues moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I take responsibility for them.

The New Yorker

I take responsibility for that.

The New York Times - Sports

I take responsibility for the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"I take responsibility for it".

The New York Times

And as president, I take responsibility for that".

The New York Times

But he added, "I take responsibility for this failure".

The New York Times

"You know I take responsibility for it," Mr. Lauer said.

The New York Times

"I take responsibility for the mistakes I made".

The New York Times

"I'm the publisher; I take responsibility for the whole thing".

The New York Times

I take responsibility for it, and I apologize for it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I take responsibility... for the defeat," he said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I take responsibility for" in situations where you have the authority or ability to make changes or improvements related to the issue.

Common error

Avoid stating "I take responsibility for" without outlining concrete steps to rectify the situation or prevent recurrence. Empty words can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I take responsibility for" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker acknowledges and accepts accountability for something. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression is commonly used to express ownership of actions, decisions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I take responsibility for" is a very common expression used to convey accountability and ownership. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media sources. While usable in various contexts, it is important to follow up with specific actions to rectify the situation to maintain credibility. Related phrases include "I am accountable for" and ""I am responsible for"", which can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Remember that simply stating the phrase is not enough; sincerity and action are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am responsible for

This is a direct and common synonym for taking responsibility.

I am accountable for

This alternative uses "accountable" to denote responsibility instead of "take responsibility".

I bear the responsibility for

This alternative emphasizes the burden or weight of responsibility.

I am to blame for

This alternative expresses culpability for something negative.

I accept liability for

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal contexts.

I own up to

This is a more informal way of saying "I take responsibility".

I will be held accountable for

This alternative focuses on the expectation of being held responsible by others.

I am in charge of

This alternative emphasizes a role of leadership and oversight.

I will answer for

This suggests that one is prepared to be held responsible and explain one's actions.

The buck stops here

This idiom indicates the acceptance of ultimate responsibility.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I am responsible for" and "I take responsibility for"?

"I am responsible for" generally indicates a duty or obligation, whereas "I take responsibility for" implies acknowledging and accepting accountability for an outcome or action, even if not initially obligated. The phrase "I am responsible for" often refers to an ongoing role, while "I take responsibility for" is often used to express accountability for a specific situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I take responsibility for"?

Use "I take responsibility for" when you want to formally acknowledge your role in a situation, especially when something has gone wrong. It's suitable in professional settings, formal apologies, and situations requiring a clear demonstration of accountability. It's not just about admitting fault, but also signaling a willingness to address and rectify the situation.

What are some alternatives to "I take responsibility for" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "I accept liability for", "I am accountable for", or "I bear the responsibility for". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality and emphasis on legal or ethical obligations.

Can "I take responsibility for" be used when the outcome was positive?

While typically used when acknowledging a mistake or negative outcome, "I take responsibility for" can also be used when the result is positive to indicate leadership and ownership. However, in positive scenarios, alternatives like "I take credit for" or "I am responsible for the success of" might be more appropriate.