assumed responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assumed responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone taking responsibility for something. For example, "John assumed responsibility for the project and made sure it was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Glocer, 56, subsequently assumed responsibility for the markets division.

The New York Times

Instead, at 19, he assumed responsibility for his mother and 12 younger brothers and sisters.

The New York Times

Improvements made since the NHS assumed responsibility for prison healthcare are acknowledged.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1983, he assumed responsibility for the North American Investment Bank for Citibank.

The New York Times

The company has assumed responsibility for the accident and set aside $1.6 billion to compensate victims.

The New York Times

He also assumed responsibility for the Royal Shakespeare Company's annual monthlong season in Newcastle.

The New York Times - Arts

And she has assumed responsibility for rescuing Bush (and the nation) from Bush's own folly.

The Guardian - Opinion

They assumed responsibility for makeup, costumes, props, lighting and sound work.

The New York Times

When their parents passed away, he assumed responsibility for George's care.

The New York Times

Saïd has also assumed responsibility for the university's money-making executive education programmes.

The Economist

Many governments have assumed responsibility for additional commercial operations, even in nonsocialist countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assumed responsibility" when the shift in responsibility is clear and direct. Ensure the context clarifies what was previously under someone else's control or accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed responsibility" when "presumed responsibility" is more accurate. "Assume" implies taking on a known duty, while "presume" suggests taking responsibility based on an inference or assumption, not a clear transfer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed responsibility" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of taking on a duty, obligation, or control. It signifies a shift in accountability, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where individuals or entities take charge of tasks, care, or management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assumed responsibility" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies taking on a duty, obligation, or area of control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, encyclopedias and wiki pages indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly communicates a change in accountability. For alternatives, consider options like "took charge of" or "shouldered the responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took on the responsibility

Changes the verb to emphasize the act of taking on, rather than assuming, the responsibility.

took charge of

Focuses on the aspect of control and leadership in addition to responsibility.

shouldered the responsibility

Implies bearing the burden of responsibility, highlighting the weight or difficulty involved.

accepted accountability

Emphasizes the willingness to be held accountable for outcomes.

undertook the obligation

Highlights the formal nature of the responsibility as an obligation or duty.

took over the management

Focuses on the managerial aspect of the responsibility, emphasizing control and oversight.

became responsible for

Indicates a transition to a state of being responsible, rather than an action of assuming.

stepped up to take responsibility

Adds the element of proactively stepping up to accept the responsibility.

borne the onus

Emphasizes the burden of proof, or task or duty or responsibility.

assumed the duties

Highlights that the responsibility comes with the duties required to fulfil it.

FAQs

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

You can use "assumed responsibility" to indicate that someone has taken on a duty or obligation. For example: "The new manager "assumed responsibility" for the team's performance.".

What are some alternatives to "assumed responsibility"?

Some alternatives include "took on the responsibility", "took charge of", or "shouldered the responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "assumed responsibility" and "accepted responsibility"?

"Assumed responsibility" implies taking on a role or duty, while "accepted responsibility" emphasizes acknowledging and agreeing to be held accountable. You "assumed responsibility" when taking on your new job. You "accepted responsibility" when you admit that you are at fault.

Can "assumed responsibility" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "assumed responsibility" can be used in a negative context, such as when someone wrongly or prematurely "assumed responsibility" for something they did not do, or for a failure that has occured.