admit responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admit responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging one's role or accountability in a particular situation or event. Example: "The company had to admit responsibility for the data breach that compromised customer information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Union Carbide has yet to admit responsibility for a catastrophe, which it blames on "sabotage".

The New York Times

The IRA did not admit responsibility for their deaths until the 1990s.

The Economist

They rarely admit responsibility for failure, for costly meddling or for large-scale human suffering.

The New York Times

In January 1996, Israel paid undisclosed compensation to Bouchikhi's family but did not admit responsibility for the killing.

The Guardian

But the city did not admit responsibility for the garbage slicks that fouled New Jersey beaches last summer.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the South Korean military said, "North Korea should stop talking nonsense and instead should admit responsibility for the Cheonan sinking and apologize".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Today its commander admitted responsibility for the bombs.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Real IRA admitted responsibility for his murder.

The Guardian

The hardline Continuity IRA later admitted responsibility for the murder.

The Guardian

The IRA has not admitted responsibility for his disappearance.

The Guardian

Although Sergeant Bales has admitted responsibility for the killings, he has not apologized publicly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "admit responsibility for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the responsibility entails and the scope of the admission. For example, specify whether it's for a mistake, an accident, or a policy failure.

Common error

Avoid using "admit responsibility for" without specifying the exact nature of the responsibility. For instance, instead of simply saying "The company admits responsibility", clarify with "The company admits responsibility for the data breach and the resulting financial losses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit responsibility for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the acknowledgment of accountability for an action or situation. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from political apologies to corporate admissions of error, reinforcing this central function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admit responsibility for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express acknowledgment of accountability, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and formal business contexts, it serves to clarify who is accountable for specific situations. Alternatives like "acknowledge responsibility for" or "accept responsibility for" offer similar meanings. Ensure clarity when using the phrase by explicitly stating the nature of the responsibility to avoid vagueness. This phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal communication but can be adapted for a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge responsibility for

Focuses on the act of recognizing and accepting the obligation or duty for something.

accept responsibility for

Emphasizes the willingness to bear the consequences or burdens associated with something.

take accountability for

Highlights the willingness to be answerable and liable for one's actions or decisions.

own up to

Informal way to acknowledge fault or wrongdoing.

confess to

Implies admitting to something wrong or illegal.

avow responsibility for

More formal than "admit" and suggests a public declaration.

declare oneself responsible for

Formal and emphatic way of stating one's accountability.

shoulder the blame for

Implies accepting criticism or punishment for something.

bear responsibility for

Focuses on carrying the weight of responsibility.

be held accountable for

Highlights that someone else made the decision of holding responsible.

FAQs

What does it mean to "admit responsibility for" something?

To "admit responsibility for" something means to acknowledge that you are accountable for an action, error, or outcome. It implies acceptance of the consequences that may follow.

What can I say instead of "admit responsibility for"?

You can use alternatives like "acknowledge responsibility for", "accept responsibility for", or "take accountability for" depending on the context.

Is it better to "admit responsibility for" something or deny it?

In most situations, "admitting responsibility for" something is viewed as more ethical and constructive than denying it. It shows integrity and a willingness to correct mistakes.

What are the legal implications of "admitting responsibility for" an accident?

"Admitting responsibility for" an accident can have legal implications, as it may be used as evidence in a legal case. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional before making any admissions in such situations.