directly responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly responsible" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is directly accountable or answerable for a particular action or outcome. Example: The CEO of the company was directly responsible for the company's financial losses due to his poor decision-making.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

While amygdala circuits are directly responsible for behavioral/physiological responses elicited by threats, they are not directly responsible for feelings of "fear".

Huffington Post

It is also directly responsible for Beijing's initial response to SARS.

The New York Times

So he is directly responsible".

The Guardian - Opinion

I am not directly responsible for that".

The Guardian

Palmieri's agency is not directly responsible for improving gambling revenue.

The Guardian

They are the people who are directly responsible".

The Guardian

"We hold the Honduras government directly responsible for this murder.

The Guardian

And your support of them makes you directly responsible".

The New Yorker

Marrero "is directly responsible for these criminal groups," Reverol said.

The Washington Post

The commissioner is directly responsible for implementing the FOI Act.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Analysts say the credit is directly responsible for several hundred thousand home sales.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "directly responsible" to clearly assign accountability, especially in situations where multiple factors might contribute to an outcome. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "directly responsible" when the connection is tenuous or circumstantial. Overstating the directness of the responsibility can lead to inaccurate or unfair attributions of blame or credit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly responsible" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a clear and immediate causal link or accountability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directly responsible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that clearly assigns accountability or causality. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is appropriate for neutral, professional, and news contexts. While "directly responsible" indicates a clear and immediate connection, it is essential to ensure this connection is demonstrable and not overstated. Remember to avoid using the phrase when the link is weak or circumstantial. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "directly responsible" to convey precise meanings and avoid misattributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely accountable

Emphasizes that one entity alone bears the responsibility, differing from shared responsibility.

singularly responsible

Like 'solely accountable', it emphasizes that one entity alone bears the responsibility, differing from shared responsibility.

primarily liable

Highlights legal or financial accountability as the main attribute.

distinctly responsible

The key aspect relies on the fact that the entity's accountability is noticeable and definite.

chiefly answerable

Focuses on the obligation to provide an explanation or justification.

principally to blame

Accentuates the aspect of culpability or fault for a negative outcome.

mainly chargeable

Highlights financial or functional responsibilities.

fundamentally in charge

Focuses on the primary role in a leadership or management position.

immediately culpable

Stresses that the responsibilities and fault is imminent and direct.

personally in the frame

Focuses on individual responsibility within a larger group or event.

FAQs

How to use "directly responsible" in a sentence?

Use "directly responsible" to indicate that someone or something is the primary cause or accountable party for a specific outcome. For example, "The project manager was "directly responsible" for the project's success".

What can I say instead of "directly responsible"?

You can use alternatives like "solely accountable", "primarily liable", or "chiefly answerable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "directly responsible" or "indirectly responsible"?

Both "directly responsible" and "indirectly responsible" are correct, but they indicate different levels of causation or accountability. "Directly responsible" means the person or thing was the primary cause, while "indirectly responsible" means their actions contributed to the outcome but were not the main cause.

What's the difference between "directly responsible" and "partly responsible"?

"Directly responsible" indicates primary accountability, while "partly responsible" suggests shared or partial accountability. If someone is "directly responsible", they are the main cause. If they are "partly responsible", they share the blame or credit with others.