a responsibility to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a responsibility to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing obligations or duties that one is expected to maintain or uphold. Example: "As a team leader, I have a responsibility to keep the project on track and ensure everyone is contributing effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I do have a responsibility to keep the club running.

Independent

I feel a responsibility to keep their environment clean.

The Guardian

The opposition has a responsibility to keep the streets calm.Latin American governments have obligations, too.

The Economist

"When you are few, there is a responsibility to keep traditions," Ms. Langus said.

The New York Times - Travel

As the new generation of farmers, we have a responsibility to keep traditional skills alive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An occupational health service has a responsibility to keep all employees informed about hazards in the workplace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do editors have a responsibility to keep the political climate in mind when deciding what and what not to print?

The New York Times

Voters should remind their representatives on Capitol Hill that they have a responsibility to keep us safe.

The New York Times

"Once they're no longer a threat, we have a responsibility to keep them alive," Colonel Smith said.

The New York Times

My father never pushed us to work in the company, but he has worked so hard at this that we feel a responsibility to keep it going.

The New York Times

Don't those operators have a responsibility to keep costs reasonable for a majority of TV homes that do not want to watch the NFL Network?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a responsibility to keep", ensure that the object being kept is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a responsibility to keep the environment clean" rather than just "a responsibility to keep".

Common error

Avoid using "a responsibility to keep" when referring to actions that are merely suggestions or best practices. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine obligation or duty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a responsibility to keep" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, indicating a duty or obligation to maintain or preserve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys the idea of having an obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a responsibility to keep" is a commonly used phrase that correctly expresses an obligation or duty to maintain something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define what needs to be maintained. Alternatives such as "a duty to maintain" or "an obligation to uphold" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. Avoiding overstatement and ensuring clarity are key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A duty to maintain

Replaces "responsibility" with "duty", emphasizing a moral or legal obligation.

An obligation to uphold

Emphasizes the binding nature of the responsibility, using "obligation" instead of "responsibility".

A commitment to preserve

Focuses on actively preserving something, rather than simply keeping it.

An onus to safeguard

Replaces "responsibility" with "onus", highlighting the burden of the responsibility.

A need to protect

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the need for protection as the core responsibility.

A mandate to sustain

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the responsibility.

Accountable for maintaining

Highlights the accountability aspect of ensuring something is kept.

Charged with the preservation of

Stresses the formal delegation of the responsibility.

Entrusted to conserve

Highlights the trust placed in someone to maintain something.

It falls upon to retain

Shifts the focus to the individual or entity upon whom the responsibility falls.

FAQs

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

You can use "a responsibility to keep" to express an obligation or duty to maintain something. For example, "The government has "a responsibility to keep" its citizens safe."

What are some alternatives to saying "a responsibility to keep"?

Some alternatives include "a duty to maintain", "an obligation to uphold", or "a commitment to preserve depending on the specific context".

Is it more formal to say "a responsibility to keep" or "an obligation to maintain"?

"An obligation to maintain" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both "a responsibility to keep" and "an obligation to maintain" are suitable for professional and formal contexts. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a responsibility to keep" and "a right to have"?

"A responsibility to keep" implies an obligation to maintain or protect something, whereas "a right to have" implies an entitlement or permission to possess something. They represent opposite concepts: duty versus entitlement.