answerable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answerable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate responsibility for something, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "As the project manager, I am answerable for the success of the project and the performance of my team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No single agency or individual seemed answerable for the problems.

The New York Times - Travel

Somebody has got to be answerable for this.

The Guardian

Is Ms Jowell really answerable for her husband's actions?

The Guardian

"Somebody has got to be answerable for this," he said.

The Guardian

Brad is answerable for that, and he knows it.

The Guardian - Sport

"We will make the people who dig up our roads answerable for their actions," she said.

The Guardian

Directors and senior executives must be answerable for what goes on in their organizations.

The New York Times

Politicians have to be answerable for failure in ways that autocrats are not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately (unlike Parliament or the BBC) it is not – yet – answerable for its often pretty abhorrent actions.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were rewarded by a rise in rank and became answerable for their actions to the tsar alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it means being answerable for the dodgy judgment of appointing Mal Brough in the first place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answerable for" when you want to emphasize the obligation to explain or justify actions, decisions, or outcomes. It's particularly useful in formal or legal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "answerable for" when you mean simply "reporting to" or "responsible to." "Answerable for" implies a higher level of scrutiny and the potential for consequences, not just a reporting structure. Instead of saying "The intern is answerable for the manager" say "The intern is responsible to the manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answerable for" functions as an adjective phrase, specifically describing someone or something that is obligated to justify actions or decisions and face potential consequences. This means that somebody has to be accountable for a particular activity, decision or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answerable for" is a common adjective phrase indicating responsibility and accountability, with the obligation to explain or justify actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While closely related to phrases like "accountable for" and "responsible for", it emphasizes the need for justification and potential consequences. When writing, it's best to use "answerable for" when these elements of justification and consequence are central to the meaning, and avoid confusing it with mere reporting structures. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "answerable for" to convey accountability in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accountable for

This alternative shares a strong semantic similarity, directly relating to the state of being required to explain or justify actions and decisions.

held accountable for

More explicitly states the act of being made to answer for one's actions.

responsible for

This phrase is a broad synonym, indicating a general sense of duty or obligation for something.

held responsible for

Similar to 'held accountable,' but emphasizes the duty aspect rather than the justification aspect.

liable for

Implies legal or financial responsibility for something, often a debt or damage.

under obligation for

Highlights the obligatory nature of responsibility.

chargeable with

This phrase carries a legal connotation, suggesting someone is formally accused or responsible.

culpable for

Indicates blame or guilt for something that has gone wrong.

amenable to

This refers to being receptive and responsive to being held responsible or following direction.

subject to

Implies being under the authority or control and, therefore, potentially responsible.

FAQs

How is "answerable for" different from "responsible for"?

"Responsible for" generally means having a duty to handle something. "Answerable for", on the other hand, implies an obligation to explain or justify actions and be subject to scrutiny or consequences. The phrase "responsible for" is used in a wider variety of contexts.

What are some alternatives to "answerable for"?

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

Can "answerable for" be used in informal contexts?

While "answerable for" is often used in formal or legal contexts, it can be used in informal settings when emphasizing the need to justify one's actions. However, in more casual situations, phrases like "responsible for" or "accountable for" might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say someone is "answerable to" someone else?

Yes, while the provided examples focus on "answerable for", it's also correct to say someone is "answerable to" another person or entity. This indicates that they are required to report to or explain their actions to that person or entity. The meaning is similar, but the preposition changes the focus.