accepted responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepted responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing accountability or acknowledging one's role in a situation or outcome. Example: "After the incident, she accepted responsibility for her actions and apologized to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Listen, I've accepted responsibility.

The New York Times

"You accepted responsibility.

The Guardian

He accepted responsibility.

Harvard Business Review

None of them accepted responsibility.

The Guardian

He refused and publicly accepted responsibility.

The New York Times

At his locker afterward, Sanchez accepted responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Libya has accepted responsibility for the bombing.

The New York Times

He accepted responsibility for using 1 Para.

The Guardian

Kiley accepted responsibility but defended his motives.

The Washington Post

On a fundamental level, he accepted responsibility for his actions.

The New Yorker

Pakistan has never accepted responsibility for what happened.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accepted responsibility" to convey a sense of maturity, integrity, and willingness to be held accountable. This strengthens your message and builds credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating that someone "accepted responsibility" without specifying what they are responsible for. This can lead to confusion and undermine the impact of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepted responsibility" functions as a verb phrase, where "accepted" is the main verb indicating acknowledgment or admission, and "responsibility" is the noun serving as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accepted responsibility" is a versatile and widely used expression that conveys accountability and a willingness to be held responsible for actions or outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and prevalent in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal business communications. Alternative phrases like "took responsibility" and "acknowledged accountability" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensuring effective communication and conveying a genuine sense of accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took responsibility

Replaces "accepted" with "took", emphasizing the action of assuming responsibility.

stood up and took responsibility

Highlights the act of bravely acknowledging and accepting responsibility.

acknowledged accountability

Uses "acknowledged" instead of "accepted" and replaces "responsibility" with "accountability", highlighting the recognition of being answerable.

took ownership

Similar to "took responsibility", but emphasizes personal control and accountability.

assumed liability

Replaces "responsibility" with "liability", focusing on the legal or financial obligations.

recognized obligation

Highlights the moral or legal duty that one acknowledges.

owned up to

An informal expression meaning to admit fault or responsibility.

admitted culpability

Focuses on admitting guilt or blameworthiness.

faced the consequences

Focuses on the result of accepting responsibility, emphasizing the willingness to deal with the repercussions.

shouldered the burden

Emphasizes the weight and difficulty of accepting responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "accepted responsibility" to indicate that someone has acknowledged their role in a situation and is willing to be held accountable. For example, "The CEO "accepted responsibility" for the company's financial losses."

What are some alternatives to using "accepted responsibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "took responsibility", "acknowledged accountability", or "assumed liability". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "accept responsibility" or "take responsibility"?

Both "accept responsibility" and "take responsibility" are correct and widely used. "Take responsibility" often implies a more active assumption of duty, while "accept responsibility" suggests acknowledgment and willingness to be held accountable. The subtle difference depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone has "accepted responsibility"?

When someone has ""accepted responsibility"", it signifies that they have acknowledged their role in an event or situation, particularly when something has gone wrong, and are willing to be held accountable for their actions or decisions.