collective responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"collective responsibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a situation in which a group of people is collectively responsible for a certain task or outcome. For example: "The team took collective responsibility for completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collective responsibility?

The New Yorker

It's all collective responsibility.

The New York Times

It emphasises collective responsibility.

The Guardian

We cannot shirk this collective responsibility".

Independent

The frustrations of collective responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a collective responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

This loosened the bonds of collective responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, there should be cabinet collective responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that obscures the collective responsibility.

The New Yorker

They have a sense of collective responsibility.

Harvard Business Review

I think it's a collective responsibility.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collective responsibility", clearly define the group to whom the responsibility applies to avoid ambiguity. Specify the scope and nature of the responsibility to ensure everyone understands their role.

Common error

Avoid using "collective responsibility" without specifying how individual contributions are measured or assessed. This can lead to diffusion of accountability and inaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collective responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a shared duty or obligation among members of a group. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collective responsibility" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a shared obligation among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and business contexts. While it is a straightforward expression, be sure to clearly define the group and scope of the responsibility for clarity and effectiveness. Using alternatives such as "shared responsibility" or "joint accountability" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Ensuring its appropriate use can enhance clarity and foster greater accountability in group settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shared responsibility

Emphasizes the distribution of responsibility among multiple parties.

Joint accountability

Highlights the shared liability for outcomes.

Common obligation

Focuses on the duties that are shared by a group.

Group responsibility

Directly attributes responsibility to the group as a whole.

Mutual obligation

Stresses the reciprocal nature of the responsibilities.

Team accountability

Applicable in team settings, emphasizing shared responsibility.

Unified responsibility

Highlights the consolidated nature of the responsibility.

Shared burden

Implies a shared difficulty or challenge that requires collective action.

Community obligation

Pertains to the responsibilities of a community towards its members or common goals.

Corporate accountability

Specifically used in corporate contexts, emphasizing the organization's responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "collective responsibility" to describe situations where a group shares responsibility for an outcome. For example, "The team accepted "collective responsibility" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to saying "collective responsibility"?

Alternatives include "shared responsibility", "joint accountability", or "common obligation", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "collective responsibility" and "individual responsibility"?

"Collective responsibility" refers to a shared obligation among a group, while "individual responsibility" refers to the obligation of a single person. While they are not mutually exclusive, in some contexts they can generate conflict or confusion. Personal and "collective responsibility" are not mutually exclusive.

In what contexts is "collective responsibility" most often used?

The phrase "collective responsibility" is frequently used in political discussions, ethical debates, and organizational settings, especially when discussing accountability for widespread issues.