become responsible for

USAGE SUMMARY

"become responsible for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has taken on a duty or obligation. For example: "I'm sorry, I cannot become responsible for your actions." "In order to become responsible for a pet, one must be prepared for the commitment." "After graduating college, I was eager to become responsible for my own finances." In each of these examples, "become responsible for" is used to indicate the assumption of a responsibility or duty. It can also be used in other contexts, such as becoming responsible for a project, a task, or a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they don't, states become responsible for the accounts.

The New York Times

They will also pay for the treatment and become responsible for £80bn of spending.

The Guardian

As everyday objects become data transmitters, their developers become responsible for governing this flow of data.

The Guardian

It's as if the Hollywood Jews had become responsible for anti-Semitism.

The New Yorker

Intelligent deposit machines have become responsible for vast deposits of money since their launch in 2012.

The Guardian

"What you become responsible for is building a culture rather than doing all the work.

The New York Times - Arts

Nicky instantly rescinds the order: "I will not become responsible for a monstrous slaughter".

The New York Times - Books

"If you participate in a market, you become responsible for that market".

The New York Times - Magazine

If a father begins to avoid making payments again, he will become responsible for all his old child-support debts.

The New York Times

We may temporarily pause acting out irresponsible impulses when we reproduce and become responsible for a young life.

The Guardian

Companies, too, must become responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially when they become obsolete.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become responsible for", ensure that the subject has the capacity and authority to fulfill the responsibility being assigned. For instance, stating, "The intern will become responsible for leading the project" may be unrealistic if the intern lacks the necessary experience or support.

Common error

Avoid using "become responsible for" when the subject already has the responsibility. Instead, use phrases like "continue to be responsible for" or "remain responsible for" to indicate ongoing accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become responsible for" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of assuming a duty, obligation, or accountability. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts, confirming its common grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become responsible for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the assumption of a duty or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a transition in accountability. While maintaining a neutral register, it is vital to differentiate its meaning from similar phrases like "is responsible for", which describes a current state rather than a transition. By understanding its specific nuance, writers can effectively and accurately convey shifts in accountability in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on responsibility for

Focuses on the act of assuming responsibility.

assume accountability for

Emphasizes the acceptance of being held accountable.

be made accountable for

Focuses on the process of being held to account.

be held liable for

Highlights legal or financial responsibility.

shoulder the responsibility of

Emphasizes the act of carrying responsibility.

bear the burden of

Implies carrying the weight of responsibility, often with negative connotations.

be in charge of

Indicates having control and oversight.

become the custodian of

Implies a protective or guardianship role.

be tasked with

Highlights the delegation of responsibility.

answer for

Focuses on the need to explain or justify actions.

FAQs

How can I use "become responsible for" in a sentence?

The phrase "become responsible for" indicates a transition in accountability. For example: "After the training, employees "become responsible for" their own safety".

What are some alternatives to "become responsible for"?

You can use alternatives such as "take on responsibility for", "assume accountability for", or "be held liable for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "becoming responsible for"?

Yes, "becoming responsible for" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the process of assuming responsibility. For example, "Becoming responsible for the project required dedication and hard work".

What is the difference between "is responsible for" and "become responsible for"?

"Is responsible for" indicates a current state of accountability, while ""become responsible for"" suggests a transition into that state. For instance, "John is responsible for the budget" means he currently manages it, whereas "John will "become responsible for" the budget next quarter" implies a future change.