accountable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accountable for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is responsible for something. Example Sentence: The managers are accountable for meeting their deadlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everyone's accountable for each other".

The New York Times - Sports

I am accountable for it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Who is accountable for failure?

The New York Times

Who's accountable for it?

The Guardian

I'm accountable for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Who's accountable for that?

The Guardian - Music

I am accountable for my performance.

The Economist

Second, make schools accountable for their performance.

The Economist

What is each person accountable for?

The Economist

"You should be accountable for your actions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's about holding people accountable for results".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accountable for", ensure that the party held accountable and the task or outcome they are responsible for are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "accountable for" without specifying what someone is accountable for. For instance, instead of saying "They are accountable", specify "They are accountable for the project's success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accountable for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It signifies responsibility or being liable for specific actions, decisions, or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accountable for" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to assign responsibility or liability. As Ludwig AI explains, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more frequently encountered in professional or official environments. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define who is being held accountable and for what, to prevent any confusion. Alternatives like "responsible for", "liable for", and "answerable for" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, making it a versatile expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsible for

This is a direct synonym, indicating someone has a duty to handle something.

liable for

Implies legal or financial responsibility for something.

answerable for

Suggests someone must explain their actions or decisions.

held responsible for

Emphasizes the act of someone being deemed responsible.

chargeable with

Indicates being charged with a duty or obligation.

under obligation to

Highlights a formal or moral duty to do something.

tasked with

Focuses on being assigned a specific task or responsibility.

obligated to

Similar to "under obligation", but may suggest a binding agreement.

subject to

Indicates being exposed to potential consequences or requirements.

liable to

Emphasizes the possibility of something negative happening due to one's actions.

FAQs

How do I use "accountable for" in a sentence?

Use "accountable for" to indicate that someone is responsible for something. For example, "The project manager is "accountable for" the timely completion of the project".

What's the difference between "responsible for the" and "accountable for"?

While both indicate duty, "accountable for" often implies a higher degree of oversight and potential consequences. Being "responsible for the" work means you do it. "Accountable" implies ownership of the result, even if you delegate the task.

What can I say instead of "accountable for"?

You can use alternatives like "responsible for", "liable for", or "answerable for" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Can "accountable for" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "accountable for" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, although it is more commonly found in professional or official contexts. However, alternatives might feel more natural in informal situations.