a certain responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but not explicitly defined obligation or duty that someone has. Example: "As a team leader, I feel a certain responsibility to ensure that all members are supported and heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I feel a certain responsibility.

The Guardian

Yet I felt a certain responsibility.

The Guardian - Sport

You do feel a certain responsibility".

The New York Times

Hizbullah, in its triumph, may be showing a certain responsibility.

The Economist

And we did incur a certain responsibility there.

The New York Times

"I want to show a certain responsibility," said Stimac.

The Guardian - Sport

Fame, even second-hand, comes with a certain responsibility.

The New York Times - Travel

I find that to be a certain responsibility".

The Guardian - Music

"I feel I have a certain responsibility," Crosby said recently in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

This year, there's a certain responsibility with living up to yourself on a regular basis".

The New York Times - Sports

So there is a certain responsibility to those who have brought these people this far already.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain responsibility" when you want to acknowledge an obligation without defining its precise scope or nature. It's useful in contexts where the responsibility is understood but not formally specified.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain responsibility" when a clear and specific duty exists. This phrase works best when the obligation is less defined; otherwise, explicitly state the responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain responsibility" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes an obligation or duty that is not precisely defined, suggesting an implied or understood commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain responsibility" is a commonly used phrase that indicates an obligation or duty that is not explicitly defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal communications. The phrase is best used when acknowledging an implied commitment, but avoid using it when a clear and specific duty exists. Consider using alternatives such as "a specific duty" or "an implied obligation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase "a certain responsibility" is prevalent in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular responsibility

Replaces "certain" with "particular", specifying that the responsibility is distinct or notable.

a specific duty

Substitutes "responsibility" with "duty", making the obligation more defined and less general.

an implied obligation

Emphasizes that the responsibility isn't explicitly stated but understood or inferred.

a degree of accountability

Focuses on the aspect of being answerable or liable for actions.

a sense of duty

Highlights the feeling of moral or legal obligation.

a measure of commitment

Shifts the focus to dedication and obligation towards a cause or task.

a partial liability

Indicates a limited degree of legal or financial responsibility.

some measure of control

Implies responsibility through the capacity to influence or manage something.

a level of involvement

Highlights the degree to which someone is connected or engaged, thus bearing responsibility.

a share of the blame

Focuses on responsibility for a negative outcome or fault.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain responsibility" when referring to an obligation that isn't explicitly stated. For example, "As a mentor, I feel "a certain responsibility" to guide my mentees".

What phrases are similar to "a certain responsibility"?

Similar phrases include "a specific duty", "an implied obligation", or "a degree of accountability" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain responsibility"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge an obligation without fully defining it, suggesting that the responsibility is understood but not formally specified. For example: "With great power comes "a certain responsibility"".

Is there a difference between "a certain responsibility" and "a clear responsibility"?

Yes. "A clear responsibility" indicates an explicitly defined duty, while "a certain responsibility" suggests a more general or implied obligation. "A clear responsibility" means that the obligation is easily identified and understood, while "a certain responsibility" implies that the obligation exists but might need further clarification or is implicitly understood by involved parties.