differentiated responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differentiated responsibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe distinct roles or duties assigned to different individuals or groups. Example: "In our project, we have established differentiated responsibilities to ensure that each team member knows their specific tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), principle of international environmental law establishing that all states are responsible for addressing global environmental destruction yet not equally responsible.

Britannica

The Mexican proposal (pdf) to have "common but differentiated responsibilities" is a good one.

The Guardian

The UNFCCC, Contracts for Difference, common but differentiated responsibilities and methane clathrates don't say "read me" to most of us.

The Guardian

But the developed countries tried to create a new treaty and abandon the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities".

The Guardian

One of the guiding themes of the UNFCCC is the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Columbia University

Signed by most rich countries, this spoke of "common but differentiated" responsibilities for cutting emissions.

The Economist

"We believe that any deal negotiated must consider the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

The Guardian

This reasonable share is what nations owe on the basis of their common but differentiated responsibilities for contributing to climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UN framework convention on climate change, which even the United States has signed up to, recognises that countries have "common but differentiated responsibilities".

The Guardian - Opinion

Several of the more outrageous deletions proposed by the United States – such as any mention of rights or equity or of common but differentiated responsibilities – have been rebuffed.

The Guardian

Emissions targets will be subject to the capacities of each country to meet them, with "common but differentiated responsibilities" for poorer and richer nations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, clearly define "differentiated responsibilities" to avoid overlaps and ensure accountability. For instance, specify who is responsible for research, design, and implementation to prevent confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming all parties have equal capacity or obligation. Failing to account for "differentiated responsibilities" can lead to unrealistic expectations and ineffective strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differentiated responsibilities" functions as a noun phrase, where 'differentiated' modifies 'responsibilities'. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase is often used in policy and international relations to indicate that various parties have distinct duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differentiated responsibilities" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote varying levels of obligation among different parties. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is especially relevant in international agreements and policy discussions, acknowledging that contributions and capabilities may differ. While alternatives like "varying responsibilities" or "unequal responsibilities" exist, "differentiated responsibilities" carries a specific connotation of formally recognized, context-dependent duties. To ensure accurate and effective communication, always consider the context and the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varying responsibilities

Emphasizes the difference in the duties or tasks assigned.

unequal responsibilities

Highlights the disparity in the burdens or obligations.

distinct accountabilities

Focuses on separate and clear lines of responsibility.

differential obligations

Stresses the different duties or commitments.

graduated responsibilities

Implies a scale or hierarchy of duties.

proportionate responsibilities

Suggests that responsibilities are assigned according to capacity or contribution.

shared but distinct responsibilities

Highlights both the common goal and the individual roles.

context-specific responsibilities

Highlights that responsibilities are defined by the situation.

tailored responsibilities

Responsibilities are customized to the individual.

adjusted responsibilities

Responsibilities have been changed or adapted.

FAQs

How can I use "differentiated responsibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "differentiated responsibilities" to explain that different entities have varying levels of accountability, as in "The treaty recognizes the principle of "differentiated responsibilities", acknowledging that developed nations should take the lead in emissions reduction".

What does "common but differentiated responsibilities" mean?

It means that all parties share a common goal, but their responsibilities in achieving that goal may vary based on factors like capacity and historical contribution. The phrase is often used in discussions of climate change and international agreements.

Which is the better phrase, "differentiated responsibilities" or "shared responsibilities"?

"Differentiated responsibilities" emphasizes that the burden is not equally distributed. "Shared responsibilities" suggests a more equal division. The better choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

Are "differentiated responsibilities" and "unequal responsibilities" the same?

While similar, "differentiated responsibilities" is often used in formal contexts to acknowledge varying capacities or historical contributions, whereas "unequal responsibilities" is a more general term that can simply refer to an imbalance in obligations.