assume responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "assume responsibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate when someone should take on a task or duty. For example, "When the project manager left, I had to assume responsibility for completing the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Murphy was obliged to assume responsibility for the firm.

The New Yorker

Greta has no choice but to assume responsibility.

The New York Times

When should the state assume responsibility for looking after children?

The Economist

"But the time has come for us to assume responsibility..

The Guardian

It requires Iraqis to assume responsibility for their own future.

The New York Times

"Let them assume responsibility for this," he said.

The Washington Post

It's appropriate that the leader assume responsibility for the offense.

Harvard Business Review

Bausch & Lomb will assume responsibility for marketing Catarex worldwide.

The New York Times

If leaders cannot assume responsibility they will fail humanity.

The Guardian

How could I assume responsibility for a political decision?

Yale University

Mr Clinton understands the worry: "The industrialised world alone cannot assume responsibility for reducing emissions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assume responsibility" when you want to emphasize a formal transfer of duty or a deliberate acceptance of accountability. It suggests a conscious decision to take charge.

Common error

Avoid using "assume responsibility" when referring to tasks that are already part of someone's job description. Instead, use it when someone is taking on new or additional duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume responsibility" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of taking on or accepting a duty, obligation, or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Examples show it used in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume responsibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the act of taking on a duty or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it carries a professional tone suitable for formal communications. Related phrases include "take responsibility" and "accept accountability". When using this phrase, it's best to emphasize a formal transfer of duty and avoid using it for tasks that are already part of someone's routine job description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

A more direct and commonly used synonym, emphasizing the act of accepting accountability.

bear responsibility

Implies carrying the weight or burden of responsibility.

shoulder responsibility

Suggests taking on a significant or difficult responsibility.

accept accountability

Focuses on acknowledging and being answerable for actions or outcomes.

take ownership

Emphasizes a sense of personal investment and control.

take charge

Highlights the act of stepping forward to lead and manage.

be in charge

Focuses on the authority and control aspect.

be accountable

Stresses the obligation to answer for one's actions.

be liable

Indicates legal or financial responsibility.

step up to the plate

An idiomatic expression meaning to take action and handle a situation, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "assume responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "assume responsibility" to describe taking on a new role, duty, or obligation. For example, "After the manager resigned, Sarah had to "assume responsibility" for the team's performance".

What is the difference between ""assume responsibility"" and "take responsibility"?

"Assume responsibility" often implies a more formal or official transfer of duties, while "take responsibility" can be more general and refer to accepting accountability for something.

What are some alternatives to ""assume responsibility""?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "take charge", "accept accountability", or "shoulder responsibility".

Is it correct to say "assume the responsibility"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and natural to say ""assume responsibility"" without the article "the". Using "the" might imply a specific, previously mentioned responsibility.