bear responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'bear responsibility' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the sense that someone has to take on the accountability for doing something. For example, you could use the phrase in a sentence like this: "As the leader of the project, I must bear responsibility for its success or failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They bear responsibility".

The Economist

Other countries bear responsibility, too.

The New York Times

"Well, I bear responsibility.

The Guardian - Arts

Does he bear responsibility?

The New Yorker

Still, Alexander argued, "They bear responsibility.

The New Yorker

And both sides, she said, bear responsibility.

The New York Times

But investors also bear responsibility.

The New York Times

Outside governments also bear responsibility.

The New York Times

The hostage takers bear responsibility.

The Guardian

"Both sides bear responsibility for this mess.

Independent

But somebody has to bear responsibility.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear responsibility" when you want to emphasize the act of carrying or enduring the weight of accountability. It is stronger than simply stating someone is "responsible".

Common error

Avoid using verbs like "get" or "have" with "responsibility" in formal writing when "bear responsibility" is more appropriate for conveying a sense of actively taking on accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear responsibility" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of accepting or holding accountability for something. It is used to denote that an individual or entity is answerable for actions, decisions, or outcomes, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear responsibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to express accountability. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals it's most frequently used in news and media contexts, emphasizing the act of holding accountability rather than merely possessing it. For alternatives, consider phrases like "be responsible for" or "take responsibility", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a strong sense of duty and active accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible for

A more direct and common synonym, emphasizing the state of being accountable.

shoulder the responsibility

This implies taking on responsibility willingly and actively.

take on the onus

This suggests accepting a difficult or unpleasant responsibility.

be held accountable

Focuses on being answerable for one's actions or decisions.

be liable for

Indicates legal or financial responsibility.

answer for

To accept blame or punishment for something.

be to blame

Implicates fault in a negative situation.

own up to

To admit responsibility for something.

carry the can

An idiom for taking the blame or responsibility, often unfairly.

face the music

Implies accepting the consequences of one's actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "bear responsibility" to indicate that someone is accountable for something. For example: "The manager will "bear responsibility" for the team's performance."

What are some alternatives to "bear responsibility"?

Alternatives to "bear responsibility" include "be responsible for", "take responsibility", or "shoulder responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "have responsibility" instead of "bear responsibility"?

While "have responsibility" is grammatically correct, "bear responsibility" suggests a heavier sense of duty and accountability. Use "bear responsibility" when the situation warrants a stronger emphasis on the burden of accountability.

What is the difference between "bear responsibility" and "accept responsibility"?

"Bear responsibility" implies carrying the weight of accountability, while "accept responsibility" focuses on acknowledging and admitting fault. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but "accept responsibility" often follows an admission of wrongdoing.