devolution of responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devolution of responsibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the transfer or delegation of responsibilities from a higher authority to a lower one, often in organizational or governmental settings. Example: "The devolution of responsibilities to local governments has led to more tailored solutions for community issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In February, the Guardian reported a debate within senior levels of the military about designating Yemen an active battlefield, with the attendant devolution of responsibilities to ground commanders and a swifter operational pace to combat the local al-Qaida affiliate.

The Guardian

The preferred routes to a better Britain include for-profit schools, chains of schools working together, new local taxes for councils, a radical devolution of responsibilities to councils and much else upon which space does not allow me to expand.

The Guardian - Books

Echoing the words of L. Paul Bremer, the civilian administrator here in charge of Iraqi reconstruction, Mr. Natsios called for "devolution" of responsibilities back to local Iraqis in their own communities.

The New York Times

Aside from staff, offices and administrative costs, how this money will be spent depends on who is elected, but the transfer of any assets will have to be negotiated with Birmingham, as will the devolution of responsibilities such as the management of Sutton Park.

The Guardian

This discourse emphasized the crucial role of government decentralization, the devolution of responsibilities for natural resource management to local communities, and community participation within governance and decision-making processes (Leach et al. 1999: 225; Wilson 2013: 67-68, 83-86).

Pastoralism

The idea behind the devolution of responsibilities for certain NFF grasslands to local communities was to create a win-win situation, which, on the one hand, absolves the forest enterprise of cost-intensive management duties and provides it with secure earnings from user fees.

Pastoralism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But the devolution of power is at risk of being read by the coalition as devolution of responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Devolution of responsibility to elected village-level government can improve the allocation of resources and monitoring of services such as schools.

The Economist

Devolution of responsibility for housing benefit from Westminster to Holyrood could help solve the problem that Scottish social landlords now face.

The Guardian

Second, ITQ rights can reduce the transactions costs for development of self-governance by owners both by specifying a non-unanimous voting rule (preferably one-share/one-vote) and also by delineating clear standards for devolution of responsibility from government.

Marine Policy

Nevertheless, adequate devolution of responsibility and decision-making powers is essential if vulnerable species and habitats are to be adequately conserved.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devolution of responsibilities", ensure that the context clearly defines the original source and the recipient of the transferred duties. Be specific about which responsibilities are being devolved for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "devolution of responsibilities" without specifying the exact responsibilities involved. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity about what is actually being transferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devolution of responsibilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a process of transferring duties from one entity to another. This phrase is often used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devolution of responsibilities" is a noun phrase denoting the transfer of duties and accountabilities, often in governance or organizational contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe decentralization or redistribution of power. While the phrase is generally neutral, it leans toward a more formal register, suitable for news, scientific, and formal business environments. Alternatives like "delegation of duties" or "transfer of authority" may offer a more specific nuance depending on the context. Ensure clarity by explicitly defining which responsibilities are being devolved to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delegation of duties

Focuses more on specific tasks being assigned.

transfer of authority

Emphasizes the shift in power and decision-making.

assignment of tasks

Highlights the allocation of specific responsibilities.

redistribution of duties

Implies a broader reallocation across different entities.

decentralization of power

Stresses the dispersal of authority from a central point.

empowerment of local entities

Focuses on giving more power to local bodies or communities.

shifting of accountability

Highlights the change in who is held responsible.

handing over of control

Implies a complete transfer of management.

passing down of obligations

Focuses on the transfer of mandatory duties.

allocation of accountabilities

Highlights the assignment of specific accountabilities.

FAQs

What does "devolution of responsibilities" mean?

The phrase "devolution of responsibilities" refers to the transfer or delegation of duties and powers from a central authority to regional or local entities. This often involves shifting decision-making and accountability to lower levels of governance or management.

What are some alternatives to "devolution of responsibilities"?

Alternatives include "delegation of duties", "transfer of authority", or "assignment of tasks", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "devolution of responsibilities"?

It is appropriate in contexts discussing organizational restructuring, governmental decentralization, or any scenario where authority and tasks are being shifted from a higher level to a lower level. For example, discussing the "devolution of power" to local councils.

What is the difference between "devolution of responsibilities" and "delegation of responsibilities"?

"Devolution of responsibilities" often implies a more permanent and structural change, where the authority itself is transferred. "Delegation of responsibilities", on the other hand, usually refers to a temporary assignment of tasks without a permanent transfer of authority.