exercise responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to encourage someone to take responsibility for their own decisions or actions. For example, you might say "It's important to exercise responsibility when making important decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

If you want kids to be responsible then let kids exercise responsibility".

The New York Times

"They illustrate the potential of disadvantaged communities to exercise responsibility," he says.

The Guardian

Second, liability will reach all those who assume and exercise responsibility for handling hazardous substances.

Yale University

As a young adult who grew up in the early days of the internet, I was made aware of the need to exercise responsibility and discretion.

The Guardian

Australians expected people to exercise responsibility as a precondition of having rights, he said, and to gain public legitimacy freedom had to be nested with fairness and justice.

The Guardian

He believes in the urgent necessity for individual & collective citizen action against corporate & governmental abuse of power & failure to exercise responsibility.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The biological parent, having become sexually involved with one of the actual parents, hasn't merely failed to exercise responsibilities, but shows himself to be arrantly irresponsible to be nothing less than a classic homewrecker.

The New Yorker

They have grown mature by exercising responsibility.

The New York Times

Word of the strikes typically spreads via anonymous local authorities, exercising responsibility for tribal Pakistan or rural Yemen, talking to local reporters.

The Guardian

It is too early to say whether that scheme will satisfy those now exercising responsibility for the public financing of Bayreuth.

The Guardian - Music

The job of Army secretary is outside the military chain of command, but the position exercises responsibility over areas like personnel, weapons development and financial management.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise responsibility", ensure that the context clearly defines what specific actions or decisions constitute responsible behavior. For example, "Citizens should exercise responsibility by voting in local elections."

Common error

Avoid using "exercise responsibility" in overly general statements without specifying the area or action requiring responsibility. Instead of saying "Companies need to exercise responsibility", specify "Companies need to exercise environmental responsibility by reducing their carbon footprint."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise responsibility" functions as a verbal phrase where "exercise" acts as a transitive verb taking "responsibility" as its direct object. It signifies the active application of responsible behavior, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise responsibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains, including news, academia, and business. As Ludwig highlights, it encourages active and conscious application of responsible behavior. When writing, remember to define clearly the specific actions that demonstrate such responsibility and avoid vague statements. Alternatives like "take accountability" or "act responsibly" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Ensure clarity and context to effectively communicate the need for responsible conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show responsibility

Focuses more on demonstrating responsible behavior rather than actively using responsibility.

take accountability

Emphasizes accepting the consequences of one's actions.

act responsibly

Highlights the manner of acting, focusing on the responsible aspect of behavior.

be responsible

A more general expression of demonstrating responsibility.

discharge duties

Implies fulfilling obligations and tasks related to a specific role or position.

fulfill obligations

Highlights the completion of required duties or commitments.

execute duties

Focuses on the active performance of tasks and responsibilities.

manage affairs

Refers to overseeing and directing matters with responsibility.

handle responsibilities

Focuses on managing and dealing with various responsibilities.

administer duties

Emphasizes the formal management and execution of assigned tasks.

FAQs

What does "exercise responsibility" mean?

To "exercise responsibility" means to actively use and demonstrate responsible behavior, make informed decisions, and be accountable for the consequences of your actions.

How can I "exercise responsibility" in my daily life?

You can "exercise responsibility" by being punctual, meeting deadlines, making ethical choices, and taking ownership of your mistakes.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "exercise responsibility"?

Alternatives include "take accountability", "act responsibly", or "be responsible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "exercise responsibility" or "take responsibility"?

Both phrases are correct, but "exercise responsibility" implies actively using one's ability to be responsible, while "take responsibility" emphasizes accepting accountability for outcomes.