course lies with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course lies with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate responsibility or accountability for a particular situation or decision. Example: "The final decision on the project course lies with the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The answer of course lies with replication.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our sympathies, of course, lie with the lover.

The New Yorker

Therein, of course, lies their ambiguous power.

Independent

Here, of course, lies the problem.

The Guardian

Certain of an ultimate German victory, he became convinced that France's best course lay in collaboration with Germany in order to assure France a strong role in the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the lifting of the cap on student numbers is meant to open up places to students, the decision around course size ultimately lies with the universities, meaning that competitive course are likely to be full by the time adjustment is available for those students.

The Guardian

Ultimately, of course, the answer lies with the referees who can increase the amount of stoppage time to make up for minutes that have been lost either inadvertently or deliberately.

The Guardian - Sport

Jensen's course lay betw.

The New Yorker

I am, of course, lying.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, the ultimate responsibility lies with Trump.

The New Yorker

Of course, the burden of proof lies with opponents of marriage equality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “course lies with” to emphasize where ultimate responsibility resides, particularly in decision-making contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "course lies with" when describing shared responsibility. This phrase implies a single point of accountability, which may not be accurate in collaborative scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course lies with" functions as a means of attributing responsibility or authority. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show it defining who is accountable for decisions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "course lies with" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for pinpointing responsibility or decision-making authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for general use. While most common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it remains relatively uncommon overall. When using this phrase, make sure to clearly define the subject to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "responsibility rests with" or "accountability falls on" can provide similar meaning with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility rests with

Changes the focus to "responsibility" instead of "course", emphasizing the obligation aspect.

accountability falls on

Highlights that the "accountability" for something is transferred to the specified agent.

the onus is on

Emphasizes the "burden" or duty to take action or provide proof.

it is up to

Uses a more informal and direct way to indicate that the "decision or action" depends on someone.

the decision is with

Specifically focuses on the "act of deciding" and where that power resides.

the duty belongs to

Indicates the "moral or legal obligation" that is assigned to an individual or group.

the power is vested in

Highlights that the "authority or control" is formally granted to a particular entity.

the fate depends on

Shifts the emphasis to the "outcome or destiny" being determined by a specific factor.

the key lies in

Focuses on a crucial element or "solution" that is essential for success or resolution.

ultimate authority resides with

Emphasizes that the "final control" over something is held by the specified party.

FAQs

How can I use “course lies with” in a sentence?

You can use "course lies with" to indicate where the responsibility or ultimate decision-making power resides. For example, "The final decision about the project's course lies with the project manager."

What is a good alternative to "course lies with"?

Alternatives include "responsibility rests with", "accountability falls on", or "the onus is on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "course lies with" and "responsibility rests with"?

"Course lies with" emphasizes the path or direction being determined by someone, while "responsibility rests with" focuses more directly on the obligation to act or be accountable.

Is it appropriate to use "course lies with" in formal writing?

Yes, "course lies with" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business or academic contexts where clearly defining accountability is important. However, consider alternatives like "the power is vested in" for even more formal situations.