absolutely responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely responsible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a strong sense of accountability or obligation in a particular context. Example: "As the project manager, I feel absolutely responsible for the success of our team's efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

So yes I am absolutely responsible for that.

The New Yorker

"We know they were absolutely responsible for this mailing," said Angela Doyle, a union official.

The New York Times

"Can I call on all Tasmanians to be absolutely responsible in the coming days," he said.

The Guardian

"Government is absolutely responsible, not because of what they did recently with the car companies, but what they've done since the 1980s," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Hayward has been a frequent guest on the morning news shows, with a consistent message: "It wasn't our accident, but we are absolutely responsible for the oil, for cleaning it up".

The New York Times

Mr. O'Dwyer said that despite what he called years of effort by the city "to spin this away, the judge found that the city was totally and absolutely responsible for the assault on Desmond Robinson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As the novelist Laila Lalami put it: "In summary: The king has absolute power, but is absolutely not responsible for what happened".

The New York Times

But Singh also told Adams: "I absolutely am responsible and take full responsibility for [Cinque's death]." Earlier this year, Singh told News Limited: "One of the psychiatrists mentioned a state of disassociation, perhaps, like disassociated from reality.

The Guardian - Film

Moreover, he was absolutely not responsible for the MTV program based in Laguna nor was he responsible for changing the high school mascot from Artists to Breakers.

Los Angeles Times

"We are absolutely not responsible for the current situation," she said.

The New York Times

"It's absolutely the responsible thing to do," said Ms. Seglar, 30.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for stronger, more formal language in legal or business contexts, consider alternatives like "entirely liable" or "fully accountable".

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely responsible" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "totally responsible" or "completely my fault" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely responsible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a heightened degree of accountability or obligation. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples where it is used to describe someone's duty or liability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely responsible" is a phrase used to emphasize a high degree of accountability and obligation. Ludwig's analysis, combined with real-world examples, confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig also indicates that while grammatically sound, overuse in informal settings can sound overly formal. Consider using synonyms such as "fully accountable" or "entirely liable" to better suit the context. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid unintended formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully accountable

Focuses on the aspect of being held to account for actions and outcomes.

ultimately responsible

Highlights final or highest level of responsibility.

undeniably accountable

Highlights that responsibility cannot be denied.

unquestionably liable

Stresses the certainty of responsibility.

without a doubt responsible

Similar to unquestionably, emphasizing a lack of uncertainty.

entirely liable

Emphasizes legal or financial responsibility.

answerable in all respects

Focuses on being answerable or accountable from every point of view.

personally liable

Indicates individual, rather than collective, responsibility.

completely in charge

Highlights control and decision-making power alongside responsibility.

solely to blame

Indicates exclusive responsibility for a negative outcome.

FAQs

What does "absolutely responsible" mean?

The phrase "absolutely responsible" means that someone is completely and without question accountable for something. It emphasizes a strong level of ownership and obligation.

How can I use "absolutely responsible" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely responsible" to emphasize accountability, as in, "The CEO is "ultimately responsible" for the company's financial performance."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely responsible"?

Alternatives include "fully accountable", "entirely liable", or "solely to blame", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "absolutely responsible for" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The preposition "for" is commonly used after "absolutely responsible" to indicate what someone is accountable for, such as, "He is absolutely responsible for the project's outcome."