complete responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the full accountability or obligation one has for a task or situation. Example: "As the project manager, I take complete responsibility for the success of this initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A note in the programme announces: "Blind Summit takes complete responsibility for what the puppeteers do, but we cannot be responsible for the puppets".

The Guardian

"As commissioner, I must take full and complete responsibility".

The New York Times

I eventually became an instructor, with complete responsibility for 8 to 10 people.

The New York Times

Athletes at the elite level have to take complete responsibility for their behavior".

The New York Times - Sports

They're charged with complete responsibility for the conduct of the visitors.

The New Yorker

However, I do take complete responsibility for my recovery and making amends".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"John has apologized and accepted complete responsibility for his actions," the statement said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think he really enjoys not having the complete responsibility of melody on his shoulders".

The New York Times - Arts

"This is my electoral defeat, and I assume complete responsibility for it," he said on television.

The New York Times

"I took complete responsibility and learned from that experience," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

In the speech he actually delivered, Mr. Clinton took "complete responsibility for all my actions," but was less contrite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete responsibility", ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of that responsibility to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify which tasks, projects, or outcomes fall under this complete responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "complete responsibility" when the actual responsibility is limited or shared. Overstating the scope can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete responsibility" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., take, assume, accept) or as a complement, indicating the state of being fully accountable. Ludwig examples show its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete responsibility" is a noun phrase that is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote full accountability for actions and outcomes. According to Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, and maintains a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, it is important to define its scope clearly to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "total responsibility" and "full accountability" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total responsibility

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the responsibility.

full accountability

Highlights the aspect of being answerable for outcomes.

sole responsibility

Indicates that the responsibility lies with one party alone.

entire liability

Focuses on the legal or financial aspect of responsibility.

ultimate responsibility

Suggests that the responsibility is the final one in a chain of command.

absolute accountability

Stresses the lack of exceptions or excuses for the responsibility.

unquestionable responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility cannot be doubted or challenged.

undivided responsibility

Focuses on the clarity and lack of shared accountability.

comprehensive liability

Similar to "entire liability", but perhaps slightly broader in scope.

personal liability

Highlights accountability for one's individual actions and omissions

FAQs

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

You can use "complete responsibility" to emphasize the full accountability for something. For example: "The manager assumed "complete responsibility" for the project's outcome."

What are some alternatives to saying "complete responsibility"?

Alternatives include "total responsibility", "full accountability", or "sole responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "complete responsibility" or "full responsibility"?

"Complete responsibility" and "full responsibility" are often interchangeable, but "complete" can emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the responsibility. The choice depends on the desired nuance.

What does it mean to take "complete responsibility"?

To take "complete responsibility" means to accept full accountability for the results, whether positive or negative, and to be answerable for any consequences.