directly responsible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “directly responsible for” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is responsible for a particular outcome or result. For example, you could say, "The CEO is directly responsible for the company's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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

I am not directly responsible for that".

The Guardian

The US is also directly responsible for violence in Mexico.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

The officer is directly responsible for the prisoner's death.

The New York Times

Mass incarceration is directly responsible for reduced support.

The New York Times

In all, he is directly responsible for 78 institutions.

The Economist

Together with your colleagues, you will be directly responsible for shaping your own working environment.

The Guardian

Who is directly responsible for improving Brcko, according to the article?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "directly responsible for", ensure that the connection between the subject and the outcome is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using it in situations where the responsibility is shared or indirect.

Common error

Avoid using "directly responsible for" when the connection is tenuous or when other factors significantly contributed to the outcome. Overstating direct causation can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly responsible for" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's role as the primary cause or bearer of accountability for a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "directly responsible for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to assign primary accountability or causation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it's frequently employed in news media and scientific publications, with a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between the subject and the outcome is clear and that overstating the directness of the responsibility is avoided. Alternatives like "solely accountable for" or "primarily liable for" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely accountable for

Emphasizes exclusive responsibility, implying no shared blame.

primarily liable for

Highlights legal or formal accountability as the main party.

chiefly answerable for

Stresses the obligation to provide an explanation or justification.

the main reason for

Focuses on causality, indicating the principal cause of something.

the principal cause of

Similar to 'the main reason for', but with a slightly more formal tone.

instrumental in

Highlights the critical role played in bringing about a result.

the key factor in

Identifies the most important element contributing to a specific outcome.

bears the responsibility for

Formally assigns the burden of accountability.

accountable above all for

Emphasizes hierarchical accountability, placing responsibility at the highest level.

fundamentally attributable to

Highlights the underlying cause or origin of something.

FAQs

How can I use "directly responsible for" in a sentence?

Use "directly responsible for" to indicate that someone or something is the primary cause or has the main accountability for a specific result. For instance, "The manager is "directly responsible for" the team's performance".

What are some alternatives to "directly responsible for"?

You can use alternatives such as "solely accountable for", "primarily liable for", or "chiefly answerable for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "directly responsible for" in formal writing?

Yes, "directly responsible for" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and unambiguously assigns responsibility, making it appropriate for professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "directly responsible for" and "indirectly responsible for"?

"Directly responsible for" indicates primary causation or accountability, while "indirectly responsible for" suggests a contributing factor or secondary role in the outcome.