become accountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become accountable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of taking responsibility for one's actions or decisions, often in a professional or personal context. Example: "As a leader, it is essential to become accountable for the team's performance and outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We have become accountable for our children's learning.

The New York Times

"When we become accountable to the capital markets, it's much healthier," he said.

The New York Times

Hospitals may apply to become "accountable care organisations" (ACOs), rewarded for reducing costs while improving care.

The Economist

"All they have to do is become accountable," Mr. Berman said.

The New York Times

Humankind must become accountable on a massive scale for the wanton destruction of our collective home.

The Guardian

"He will become accountable at the next election," Gibson said in a recent interview with The Times.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It will take years before the military becomes accountable to a civilian president," he said.

The New Yorker

You supported vouchers, but only if private schools became accountable to the public.

The New York Times

In the process of implementing the design, school management teams and teachers became accountable to a range of stakeholders: national and local government, governors, parents, pupils and inspectors.

The Guardian

"We are starting the interventions really early and then putting the gate at a place where we are arguing that there needs to be a point at which the system becomes accountable for achievement".

The New York Times

It is about time these people became accountable.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "become accountable" with specific actions or metrics to illustrate how accountability is being demonstrated. For example, "become accountable for project deadlines".

Common error

Avoid using "become accountable" without specifying the scope or criteria for accountability. This can lead to ambiguity and make it difficult to assess whether the subject has truly become accountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become accountable" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of assuming responsibility and being answerable for one's actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become accountable" signifies the process of accepting responsibility and being answerable for one's actions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the scope and criteria for accountability are well-defined. Alternatives such as "assume responsibility" or "take ownership" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific intent. It's also important to distinguish between "become accountable," which implies a transition, and "be accountable," which denotes a current state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible

States a general obligation to account for actions or outcomes.

assume responsibility

Focuses on proactively taking on responsibilities, emphasizing initiative.

take ownership

Highlights the act of claiming responsibility, implying control and accountability.

be held responsible

Emphasizes external accountability, where someone else is holding you accountable.

answer for

Suggests a need to provide explanations or justifications for actions.

be liable

Focuses on legal or financial responsibility.

face the consequences

Highlights the acceptance of the results or repercussions of one's actions.

bear the burden

Implies accepting the difficulties or challenges associated with responsibility.

be subject to

Suggests that one is under the authority or control of something or someone else.

be on the hook

Informal expression meaning to be responsible or liable for something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "become accountable"?

To "become accountable" means to accept responsibility for your actions and be answerable for the consequences. It implies a transition into a state where you are expected to justify your decisions and outcomes.

How can someone "become accountable" in the workplace?

In the workplace, someone can "become accountable" by taking ownership of their tasks, meeting deadlines, and being transparent about their progress. This involves acknowledging mistakes and actively working to correct them.

What are some alternatives to saying "become accountable"?

You can use alternatives like "assume responsibility", "take ownership", or "be held responsible" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "become accountable" and "be accountable"?

"Become accountable" suggests a process of transition into a state of responsibility, while "be accountable" implies an existing state of responsibility. One indicates a change, the other indicates a status.