a responsibility to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a responsibility to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing obligations or duties that one has towards someone or something. Example: "As a leader, I feel a responsibility to support my team in their professional development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just as a prosecutor has a responsibility to prosecute, we have a responsibility to defend.

Vice

"They have a responsibility to the country.

The New York Times

"We have a responsibility to conduct them.

The New York Times

"There is a responsibility to show leadership.

Independent

A responsibility to the audience.

The Guardian - Film

"It's such a responsibility to maintain it!

The New York Times

We have a responsibility to change that.

Princeton University

I have a responsibility to make decisions.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel a responsibility to these people.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We have a responsibility to respond.

The Guardian

"I have a responsibility to the organization.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a responsibility to", ensure that the subject having the responsibility and the object of that responsibility are clearly defined in your sentence. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a responsibility to" when you mean "an ability to". Responsibility implies a duty or obligation, while ability refers to the capacity to do something. For example, say "He has a responsibility to report the incident" not "He has a responsibility to fix the car" if he lacks mechanical skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a responsibility to" functions as a noun phrase acting as a complement to a verb (often 'have' or 'feel'). It introduces an obligation or duty owed by a subject towards an object or person. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a responsibility to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a duty or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, scientific, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who holds the responsibility and to whom or what it is owed. Alternatives like "an obligation to" or "a duty to" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember that "a responsibility to" implies a moral or ethical duty and differs from having a mere ability. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively convey accountability and obligation in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obligation to

Replaces "responsibility" with "obligation", a direct synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

a duty to

Substitutes "responsibility" with "duty", another close synonym, preserving the overall meaning.

an accountability to

Uses "accountability" in place of "responsibility", emphasizing the aspect of being answerable.

a commitment to

Replaces "responsibility" with "commitment", highlighting a pledged dedication.

a requirement to

Replaces "responsibility" with "requirement", stressing a necessary condition.

a charge to

Employs "charge" to convey a formal assignment or task.

a mandate to

Uses "mandate" to imply an official authorization or command.

an imperative to

Substitutes "responsibility" with "imperative", indicating an unavoidable necessity.

a liability to

Uses "liability", emphasizing the aspect of legal or moral obligation.

an onus to

Replaces "responsibility" with "onus", stressing the burden of obligation.

FAQs

What does "a responsibility to" mean?

The phrase "a responsibility to" signifies a duty, obligation, or commitment that someone has towards a person, group, entity, or principle. It implies a sense of accountability and the expectation to act in a certain way.

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

You can use "a responsibility to" to indicate a duty or obligation. For example: "As a doctor, I have "a responsibility to" my patients" or "The company has "a responsibility to" its shareholders."

What are some alternatives to "a responsibility to"?

Some alternatives to "a responsibility to" include "an obligation to", "a duty to", "a commitment to", or "an accountability to", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a responsibility to" and "a responsibility for"?

Yes, "a responsibility to" implies a duty towards someone or something, while "a responsibility for" implies being in charge of something. For example, "He has a responsibility to his family" versus "He has a responsibility for managing the project".