answerable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answerable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is accountable or responsible to another person or authority. Example: "As the project manager, I am answerable to the board of directors for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am answerable to them".

The New York Times

He's answerable to me.

The Guardian

Not answerable to anyone".

The Guardian - Arts

We, we are answerable to our citizens".

The Economist

Departments also became answerable to citizens.

The Economist

They are answerable to parliament".

The Guardian - Opinion

"They are answerable to the Parliament".

The New York Times

No one was answerable to anyone".

The Guardian - Arts

MPs have to be answerable to us".

The Guardian

Their managements are answerable to their respective boards.

The Economist

A mayor answerable to 7m voters will not lack influence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "accountable to" as a more professional synonym for "answerable to".

Common error

Avoid phrasing that suggests someone is "answerable to" no one when, in reality, there are often implicit or higher-level accountabilities. Instead, acknowledge the specific scope of their autonomy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answerable to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of accountability or responsibility. It typically follows a linking verb such as "is", "are", or "was". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "answerable to" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote accountability or responsibility. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its meaning is clear and its usage widespread across diverse contexts, especially in news, business, and formal writing. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to specify clearly who is accountable to whom, avoiding any implication of unchecked authority. While synonyms like "accountable to" and "responsible to" exist, "answerable to" provides a direct and effective way to communicate the obligation to explain and justify actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accountable to

Synonymous, but may carry a slightly stronger emphasis on formal obligation.

Responsible to

Similar, but focuses more on the duty or obligation to act correctly.

Liable to

Indicates a legal or financial obligation.

Subject to

Implies being under the control or authority of someone.

Beholden to

Suggests a sense of obligation or indebtedness.

Under the jurisdiction of

Refers to legal or official authority.

Subordinate to

Indicates a lower rank or position in a hierarchy.

At the mercy of

Implies a lack of control and dependence on someone else's decisions.

Governed by

Suggests being controlled by a set of rules or regulations.

Owes an explanation to

Highlights the need to provide justification or clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "answerable to" in a sentence?

Use "answerable to" to indicate accountability or responsibility. For example, "The project manager is answerable to the stakeholders for the project's outcome".

What's the difference between "answerable to" and "responsible to"?

While similar, "answerable to" often implies a formal obligation to explain or justify actions, whereas "responsible to" focuses more on the duty to act correctly.

What are some alternatives to "answerable to"?

You can use alternatives like "accountable to", "liable to", or "subject to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "not answerable to anyone"?

While grammatically correct, this phrasing can be misleading. It's important to consider if there are any implicit accountabilities, even if the person has significant autonomy. Otherwise consider "not accountable" or "not responsible".