answerable to them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answerable to them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is accountable or responsible to a particular group or individuals. Example: "As the project manager, I am answerable to them for the project's success and any issues that arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I am answerable to them".

The New York Times

And even if they did, they weren't answerable to them because of their fame.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They've long felt they've been subject to taxation without representation and a local government that is not representative or answerable to them".

The New York Times

Since they are said to be invested with their authority by God himself, the members of the spiritual assemblies have absolute jurisdiction over their electorates and are not answerable to them for their decisions and actions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is right is the closely allied idea that what those who run the state machine, whether as politicians or civil servants, and those who influence them materially through NGO and interest group activities, should always be constrained by ethical considerations, and answerable to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Governments can and will intervene, and ultimately they're answerable to them, not you.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The failure of the Senate to resolve this issue in an appropriate manner will make them answerable to the electorate".

The New York Times

In 2007, Fortress went public, creating wealth for its partners but also making them answerable to shareholders.

The New Yorker

However, the original damage had already been done, with the promotion of hundreds of new academies governed by single contracts that could, and probably will, be ripped up and redrafted by a new government inclined to make them answerable to no one but the sponsor.

The Guardian - Opinion

And he's made them answerable to him in Beijing.

Forbes

Their governors, or stratēgoi, combined military and civil authority and were directly answerable to the emperor, who appointed them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "answerable to them", ensure the context clearly identifies who "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "answerable to them" when the responsibility is vague or undefined. Be specific about the area of accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answerable to them" functions as an adjectival phrase that describes a state of being accountable or responsible. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase being correctly and usably structured in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answerable to them" signifies accountability or responsibility towards a specific group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it finds frequent usage in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure clarity regarding who "them" refers to. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "accountable to them". The phrase maintains a generally neutral to professional tone, serving to clearly indicate obligations and oversight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accountable to them

Replaces "answerable" with a synonym, emphasizing responsibility.

responsible to them

Similar to "accountable", highlighting the obligation to answer for actions.

liable to them

Implies legal or financial responsibility.

subject to their authority

Focuses on the power dynamic and subordination.

under their jurisdiction

Emphasizes the legal power to govern or judge.

reporting to them

Highlights the formal obligation to provide information.

at their disposal

Indicates being available for use or command.

owing them an explanation

Focuses on the obligation to justify actions.

in their debt

Implies a moral or financial obligation.

subordinate to them

Highlights a hierarchical relationship.

FAQs

What does "answerable to them" mean?

The phrase "answerable to them" means being accountable or responsible to a particular group or individuals for one's actions or decisions.

What can I say instead of "answerable to them"?

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

How to use "answerable to them" in a sentence?

Example: "The elected officials are "answerable to them" for representing their interests in the government."

Is "answerable to them" formal or informal?

The phrase "answerable to them" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "accountable to them" might be preferred in highly formal settings.