a parallel responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parallel responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a responsibility that is similar or equivalent to another responsibility, often in a professional or organizational context. Example: "In our project, each team member has a parallel responsibility to ensure that deadlines are met and quality standards are upheld."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The United Nations and the international community — particularly the United States — have enormous leverage and a parallel responsibility to help Haiti create a credible judicial system.

The New York Times

I also believe that leaders in every community, whether religious or otherwise, have a parallel responsibility to teach and preach tolerance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nanny's lessons served her well: she was taught that if one finds the person one is talking to boring, one isn't trying hard enough to bring them out; that every minute counts; that privilege brings parallel responsibilities.

The Guardian

Along with the standing responsibility to isolate their science from the corruptions of preconception and public prejudice, the students are learning a parallel (if seemingly contradictory) responsibility, to present the work of science to the world their work will alter.

Los Angeles Times

The account above also has no hint of any concept of free will, but Shen Dao does advocate a parallel to giving up moral responsibility.

SEP

"Anyone who thinks the alcohol industry maintains high levels of social responsibility is living in a parallel universe," Daube said.

The Guardian

A parallel coaching and mentoring programme is preparing the women for taking responsibility in leading positions.

Science Magazine

A parallel universe?

The New York Times - Arts

There is a parallel.

Independent

Here's a parallel.

The New York Times

A parallel tunnel got blocked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a parallel responsibility", clearly define both responsibilities to avoid ambiguity. For instance, state: "Alongside the primary duty of data collection, there is a parallel responsibility to ensure data privacy."

Common error

Avoid assigning "a parallel responsibility" that duplicates an existing one. Ensure the parallel duty complements rather than replicates the primary duty, adding unique value or perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig indicates it describes a secondary duty with similar importance to the primary one. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase highlights shared duties or comparable obligations in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel responsibility" describes a duty that exists alongside and complements another, often implying a shared or equivalent level of importance. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is grammatically correct and generally used in formal contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly define both responsibilities to avoid confusion. While there are alternative phrases such as "a corresponding responsibility" or "an equivalent responsibility", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure the "parallel responsibility" adds unique value rather than simply duplicating existing efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a corresponding responsibility

Emphasizes the direct correlation and equivalence between two responsibilities.

an equivalent responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility is equal in value or effect to another.

a shared duty

Focuses on the aspect of the responsibility being collectively borne.

a joint obligation

Stresses the legally or morally binding nature of the responsibility shared among parties.

a mutual accountability

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the responsibility where each party is answerable to the other.

a related responsibility

Indicates that the responsibility is connected to another, though not necessarily identical.

an analogous responsibility

Suggests the responsibility is similar or comparable to another in certain respects.

a comparable duty

Emphasizes the similarity and comparability between two duties.

a coinciding obligation

Highlights that the obligation occurs at the same time or in conjunction with another.

a matching duty

Emphasizes how the responsibility is the perfect fit in a certain situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a parallel responsibility" to indicate a similar or related duty. For example, "The company has a primary responsibility to its shareholders and "a parallel responsibility" to its employees".

What's a good alternative to "a parallel responsibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a corresponding responsibility", "an equivalent responsibility", or "a shared duty", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a parallel responsibility" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys the idea of a secondary but related duty in professional or academic contexts.

How does "a parallel responsibility" differ from a secondary responsibility?

"A parallel responsibility" suggests that the duty runs alongside another, implying a degree of equality or simultaneous importance. A secondary responsibility might be considered less critical or of lower priority.