be in charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"be in charge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is responsible for something or has the authority to manage a situation. For example: "The manager of the team will be in charge of budgeting for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Who will be in charge?

The New York Times

We will be in charge".

The New York Times

"Everybody wants to be in charge".

The New York Times

"Somebody has to be in charge.

The New York Times

"You both want to be in charge".

The New York Times

She will be in charge of media.

The New Yorker

So-and-so will be in charge.

The New York Times

Villas-Boas should still be in charge".

Independent

No one seemed to be in charge.

The New York Times

"We'd be in charge.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Parliament is in charge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in charge", clearly define the scope of responsibility to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "She will be in charge", specify "She will be in charge of the marketing campaign".

Common error

Avoid using "be in charge" without specifying the area of responsibility. Saying "He's in charge" without context leaves room for confusion. Instead, clarify: "He's in charge of the project's technical aspects".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in charge" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of having control or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts. Examples show it indicating leadership, responsibility, and authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in charge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote responsibility and authority. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While versatile, it's best practice to specify the area of responsibility to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "take the reins" or "be responsible for" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, ensure clarity by defining the scope of responsibility to make the phrase more impactful and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the reins

Implies assuming control or leadership, often in a situation needing guidance.

be responsible for

Focuses on accountability and duties related to a specific task or area.

have authority over

Highlights the power and right to make decisions and give orders.

be at the helm

Suggests guiding or directing an organization or project, similar to steering a ship.

call the shots

Indicates the ability to make important decisions and influence outcomes.

be the leader

Directly states the position of leadership and guidance.

supervise

Emphasizes overseeing and directing the work of others.

manage

Focuses on the practical aspects of controlling and organizing resources and tasks.

head up

Implies leading or directing a team or project.

oversee

Highlights the act of watching over and directing activities.

FAQs

How can I use "be in charge" in a sentence?

You can use "be in charge" to indicate someone has control or responsibility, like "The project manager will "be in charge" of coordinating the team's efforts".

What are some alternatives to "be in charge"?

Alternatives include "take the reins", "be responsible for", or "have authority over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "being in charge"?

Yes, "being in charge" is grammatically correct and can be used as a gerund phrase, such as in the sentence, "Being in charge requires strong leadership skills".

What is the difference between "be in charge of" and "be in control of"?

"Be in charge of" typically implies responsibility and authority, while "be in control of" suggests dominance and the ability to manage or regulate something. You can use "be in control of" in situations such as “The pilot was in control of the aircraft”.