devolution of responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devolution of responsibility" 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 responsibility 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

13 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

Devolution of responsibility for the franchise was revealed by Prime Minister David Cameron in November when he confirmed the go-ahead for rail electrification in south Wales.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devolution of responsibility", ensure the context clearly indicates who is transferring the responsibility and to whom. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "devolution of responsibility" when the intent is to completely relinquish responsibility without transferring it to another party. Devolution implies a structured transfer, not abandonment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devolution of responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of transferring duties or obligations, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devolution of responsibility" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the transfer of duties or authority from a higher level to a lower one. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. While "devolution of responsibility" is a specific term, alternatives like "delegation of duties" or "transfer of authority" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Ensure clarity by specifying who is transferring the responsibility to whom. Remember that devolution implies a structured transfer, and it should not be confused with simple abdication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delegation of duties

Focuses on the specific tasks being assigned, implying a more granular level of responsibility.

transfer of authority

Emphasizes the shift in power and decision-making capabilities.

assignment of tasks

Highlights the allocation of specific duties, often in a project management context.

redistribution of power

Focuses on the broader shift of control and influence within an organization or system.

decentralization of control

Emphasizes the dispersal of command and oversight from a central authority.

shifting of accountability

Highlights the transfer of answerability for outcomes and performance.

empowerment of subordinates

Implies giving more autonomy and decision-making power to those lower in the hierarchy.

entrustment of duties

Conveys a sense of confidence and reliance in the person receiving the responsibilities.

task delegation

A more concise term for assigning specific duties to individuals or teams.

passing on responsibilities

Indicates a less formal and possibly less structured transfer of duties.

FAQs

What does "devolution of responsibility" mean?

The phrase "devolution of responsibility" refers to the transfer or delegation of duties, tasks, or authority from a higher level of governance or management to a lower one.

What can I say instead of "devolution of responsibility"?

You can use alternatives like "delegation of duties", "transfer of authority", or "assignment of tasks" depending on the specific context.

Is "devolution of responsibility" a formal term?

Yes, "devolution of responsibility" is generally considered a formal term, often used in political, organizational, or management contexts.

What is the difference between "devolution of responsibility" and "decentralization of responsibility"?

"Devolution of responsibility" typically implies a more structured and formal transfer of duties and authority, while "decentralization of control" focuses on dispersing control more broadly across an organization or system.