are responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are responsible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an individual or group's duty or obligation in regards to a certain situation. For example: "The parents of the missing child are responsible for filing a police report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps we are responsible.

The New Yorker

People are responsible.

The Economist

The people who are responsible?

The New York Times

We are responsible for that.

Independent

You are responsible for yourselves".

Independent

Most racehorse owners are responsible.

The New York Times

They are responsible.

The New York Times - Sports

"Historic emissions are responsible".

The Guardian

Two things are responsible.

The New Yorker

Three factors are responsible.

Harvard Business Review

Several factors are responsible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are responsible", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what is accountable and that the context specifies what they are responsible for. For example, "The project managers are responsible for meeting the deadlines."

Common error

Avoid using "are responsible" without clearly specifying the scope or limits of the responsibility. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and misplaced accountability. For example, instead of saying "They are responsible", specify "They are responsible for the budget and timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are responsible" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's obligation, duty, or accountability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly indicates that someone or something is answerable for an action or its consequences. Examples show its wide applicability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are responsible" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to denote accountability and obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It commonly appears in news media, wikis, and encyclopedias, serving to assign responsibility and clarify roles. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to specify the scope of responsibility to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "are accountable" or "are liable" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are accountable

Focuses more directly on being answerable or liable for one's actions.

are liable

Emphasizes legal or financial responsibility.

bear the responsibility

Highlights the act of carrying or accepting responsibility.

are to blame

Assigns fault or culpability for a negative outcome.

are in charge

Indicates a position of authority and control.

are the cause

Identifies the direct source or reason for something happening.

are the reason

Highlights the explanation or justification for an event or situation.

are the origin

Points to the initial source or beginning of something.

hold the responsibility

Stresses the act of possessing or maintaining responsibility.

shoulder the responsibility

Implies a willingness to bear the burden or weight of responsibility.

FAQs

How to use "are responsible" in a sentence?

Use "are responsible" to indicate accountability or obligation. For example, "The team members "are responsible" for completing their assigned tasks."

What can I say instead of "are responsible"?

You can use alternatives like "are accountable", "are liable", or "bear the responsibility depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are responsible" or "is responsible"?

"Are responsible" is used with plural subjects, while "is responsible" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The team members are responsible", but "The team leader is responsible."

What's the difference between "are responsible" and "are in charge"?

"Are responsible" implies accountability for outcomes, while "are in charge" indicates a position of authority and control. Someone in charge may not necessarily be responsible for every outcome.