be responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be responsible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of accountability or duty in various contexts, such as work, personal life, or social situations. Example: "It is essential to be responsible when making decisions that affect others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would I be responsible?

The New York Times - Magazine

Otherwise, we'll be responsible….

The New Yorker

Could the salon be responsible?

The New York Times

"We try to be responsible.

The New York Times - Arts

"People want to be responsible.

The New York Times

Humans appear to be responsible.

The New Yorker

"You have to be responsible.

The New York Times - Sports

"People have to be responsible.

The New York Times

I'll be responsible.

The New York Times

"Somebody should be responsible".

The New York Times

It's tryingto be responsible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be responsible", clearly define what someone is responsible for. This provides context and avoids ambiguity. For example, "Be responsible for the project's budget."

Common error

Avoid using "be responsible" without specifying the scope of responsibility. Saying "Be responsible" without context can lead to confusion and a lack of accountability. Always clarify the specific duties and expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be responsible" functions primarily as an imperative, often used to instruct, advise, or urge someone to take ownership of their actions, duties, or obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be responsible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the importance of accountability and duty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it functions as an imperative to urge responsible behavior. To ensure clarity, specify what someone is responsible for. While versatile, it's important to avoid vagueness in assigning responsibilities. Alternatives include "take responsibility" and "act responsibly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

Focuses on the act of accepting accountability for one's actions.

act responsibly

Emphasizes the manner in which someone behaves, highlighting the responsible nature of their actions.

be accountable

Highlights the obligation to answer for one's actions and decisions.

exercise responsibility

Suggests a deliberate and active engagement with one's duties.

shoulder the responsibility

Implies a willingness to bear the burden of responsibility.

bear the responsibility

Similar to 'shoulder the responsibility', indicating acceptance of the burden.

be liable

Focuses on legal or financial accountability for something.

be in charge

Indicates having control and therefore being responsible for a situation or task.

be dependable

Highlights the quality of being reliable and able to be trusted with responsibilities.

be reliable

Synonymous with 'be dependable', stressing the trait of trustworthiness in handling duties.

FAQs

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

You can use "be responsible" to assign duties or to encourage accountability. For example, "You must "be responsible" for completing the report on time" or "We all need to "be responsible" for our actions."

What are some alternatives to "be responsible"?

Alternatives include "take responsibility", "act responsibly", or "be accountable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be responsible" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "be responsible" in various contexts such as assigning tasks, setting expectations, or emphasizing the importance of accountability in personal or professional situations.

Is "be responsible" formal or informal?

"Be responsible" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.