Responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "responsibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an obligation (legal or moral) to do something. Example: As a parent, it is my responsibility to ensure that my child receives a good education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Taliban claimed responsibility.

The New York Times

I take full responsibility for not being more aggressive on this front.

The Guardian - Tech

You have a precious opportunity, and an important responsibility, in explaining and demonstrating how faith in Islam can be part of British identity.

The Guardian

And, given that very unique responsibility that he has, it's simply impossible for him to continue in that role when such very major question marks are being raised about his financial affairs".

The Guardian

Abbott said the federal government believed "the states should take more responsibility for their public hospitals and for their public schools and we make no apologies for wanting the states to be grown up, adult governments that take responsibility for the programs that are theirs, for the institutions that they run".

The Guardian

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Deborah, 50, is the deputy chief executive and director of strategic development for UHBristol Trust, with responsibility for somewhere in the region of 8,000 staff.

The Guardian

Barbara Gallani, director of regulation, science and health at the Food and Drink Federation, said the responsibility deal was "the most ambitious and inclusive framework for voluntary action on public health the UK has ever seen".

The Guardian

The decision to pave the way for the possible supply of arms to Iraq means that the UK may once again bear responsibility – if only indirectly – for casualties in Iraq.

The Guardian

Much of it was a "slippery slope" argument: if the Gates Foundation divested from every firm which failed social responsibility tests, soon there'd be almost nothing left to invest in.

The Guardian

Nansi Ellis is the Association of Teacher and Lecturer's (ATL) assistant general secretary with responsibility for development and implementation of all aspects of policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "responsibility", clearly define the scope and boundaries of the duty or obligation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "responsibility" without specifying who is responsible and for what. Clearly state who holds the duty and the exact nature of their obligation.

Linguistic Context

The word "responsibility" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a duty, obligation, or task that someone is expected to carry out. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its grammatical role and appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "responsibility" is a noun signifying a duty or obligation, widely used across various contexts, most notably in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules. To ensure clarity, it's essential to define the scope of responsibility and avoid vague assignments. Related terms include "accountability" and "duty", offering nuanced alternatives. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning of "responsibility" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accountability

Focuses more on being answerable for actions and outcomes.

Duty

Emphasizes a moral or legal obligation.

Obligation

Stresses a binding requirement or commitment.

Liability

Highlights legal or financial accountability for something.

Burden

Implies a heavy or difficult responsibility.

Oversight

Refers to the act of supervising or managing something.

Charge

Indicates a task or duty assigned to someone.

Commitment

Highlights dedication and adherence to a task or goal.

Moral imperative

Emphasizes a strong ethical or moral duty.

Answerability

Focuses on the state of being required to explain or justify actions.

FAQs

How can I use "responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "responsibility" to describe a duty or obligation someone has. For example, "It is your "duty" to ensure the project is completed on time".

What are some alternatives to the word "responsibility"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "accountability", "duty", or "obligation" as alternatives to "responsibility".

Is it correct to say 'take responsibility' or 'assume responsibility'?

Both "take responsibility" and "assume responsibility" are correct. "Take responsibility" usually implies acknowledging fault, while "assume responsibility" means accepting a new duty or obligation.

What is the difference between "responsibility" and "accountability"?

"Responsibility" refers to the duty or obligation to complete a task, while "accountability" is the obligation to answer for the results and be held liable for outcomes.