a grave responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"a grave responsibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that requires great seriousness or care. For example, "The President has a grave responsibility to put the needs of the country first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Re "No More Silent Summers," by Anthony Tommasini (Critic's Notebook, June 29): The New York Philharmonic is a great public trust — sometimes even a grave responsibility, as in the orchestra's response to Sept. 11 a decade ago — one I take seriously, and one of the biggest joys of my life.

The New York Times

Instead, he stressed that the Lehman board had a "grave responsibility," a fiduciary duty to shareholders.

The New Yorker

Those of us who are not in immediate peril have a grave responsibility to those who are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Particularly in his later years, Washington seemed conscious that he was writing history, and he felt a grave responsibility to get every passage just right.

The New Yorker

"You have a grave responsibility for supporting the war that deprived many innocent people of their lives," the opposition leader, Katsuya Okada, said in Parliament.

The New York Times

"Parents right now feel such a grave responsibility toward the happiness and well-being and success of their child," Ms. Wald said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Similarly, because their opinions reach such a wide audience, the British media have a graver responsibility than most and a greater opportunity to promote the peace of nations, the integral development of peoples and the spread of authentic human rights.

BBC

"So there is a very grave responsibility resting upon the movements and the government to come to the meeting," he said.

The New York Times

His courageous initiative, inspiring leadership, and judicious foresight in a crisis of grave responsibility were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Wikipedia

"Because Mr. Whitaker has not undergone the process of Senate confirmation, there has been no mechanism for scrutinizing whether he has the character and ability to evenhandedly enforce the law in such a position of grave responsibility," Katyal and Conway wrote.

Vice

Carriquiry said he believed the pope would also touch on the US's role in the world – noting that the "fight against terrorism is a priority but [that] the grave responsibility of the US in promoting world peace … is much greater" – and suggested the pope might praise the US's rich history of accepting immigrants, while denouncing mass deportation policies that separate families.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a grave responsibility", ensure the context clearly conveys the seriousness and potential consequences of the duty being described. For instance, highlight potential impacts, risks, or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave responsibility" in situations that are not genuinely serious or critical. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for contexts where the weight of the duty is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a duty or obligation that carries significant weight and potential consequences. Ludwig AI indicates that is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave responsibility" is a noun phrase used to highlight the seriousness and potential impact of a duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Predominantly found in news and media, and formal business contexts, the phrase is apt for scenarios demanding a tone of significance. While alternatives such as "serious obligation" or "heavy burden" exist, the choice hinges on the specific nuance intended. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants its gravity to prevent diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Critical obligation

Similar to "serious obligation" but conveys an higher level of necessity.

Serious obligation

Replaces "responsibility" with "obligation" and "grave" with "serious", focusing on the binding nature of the duty.

Significant duty

Substitutes "responsibility" with "duty" and "grave" with "significant", conveying importance without the negative connotation.

Heavy burden

Uses metaphorical language, framing the responsibility as a difficult weight to bear.

Profound accountability

Emphasizes the aspect of being answerable for one's actions, using more formal vocabulary.

Weighty matter

Highlights the seriousness of the issue at hand, portraying it as something to be considered carefully.

Critical task

Shifts the focus to the specific action or assignment that carries high importance.

Solemn charge

Implies a formal or ceremonial entrustment of responsibility, adding a sense of gravity.

High stakes

Focuses on the potential consequences and risks associated with the responsibility.

Demanding role

Highlights the effort and skill required to fulfill the responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grave responsibility" to emphasize the seriousness of a duty or obligation. For example, "The president felt "a grave responsibility" to protect the nation's interests."

What are some alternatives to "a grave responsibility"?

Some alternatives include "serious obligation", "heavy burden", or "significant duty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a grave responsibility" and "a heavy responsibility"?

"A grave responsibility" emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the duty, while "a heavy responsibility" focuses on the burden and difficulty it entails. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the importance or the difficulty of the task.

Is it appropriate to use "a grave responsibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "a grave responsibility" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a task or duty that carries significant weight and potential consequences. It conveys a sense of importance and seriousness suitable for professional or academic contexts.