feel a responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel a responsibility" is an example of correct and usable written English that can be used in various contexts.
For example, "I feel a responsibility to ensure that the work is completed by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You feel a responsibility.

The Guardian - Books

"I also feel a responsibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Jack (London) Yeah, I feel a responsibility.

The Guardian

I feel a responsibility to these people.

The New York Times - Magazine

'I feel a responsibility towards the dead.

The Guardian

And I feel a responsibility to find an answer.

The New Yorker

KK: I feel a responsibility with success, too.

The New York Times

Did you feel a responsibility not to glorify this world?

The Guardian - Books

Do you feel a responsibility to do that?

The Washington Post

And I feel a responsibility to that now.

The Guardian

I feel a responsibility for keeping his legacy alive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the strength of the feeling. Synonyms like "shoulder a task" or "bear a burden" may be more appropriate if the responsibility is difficult or unpleasant.

Common error

Avoid using "feel a responsibility" when the intended meaning is to express guilt or remorse. Responsibility implies a duty to act, whereas guilt implies regret for a past action. For instance, instead of "I feel a responsibility for the accident", use "I feel guilty about the accident" if you want to convey regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel a responsibility" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective experience of obligation or duty. It is commonly used to convey a personal sense of accountability toward someone or something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel a responsibility" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a sense of duty or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts, spanning from News & Media to Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, consider clarifying the object of your responsibility and avoiding confusion with related concepts like guilt. Exploring synonyms such as ""sense an obligation"" or ""have a duty"" can refine your expression and provide greater nuance. Overall, understanding the grammatical function, communicative purpose, and contextual usage of "feel a responsibility" will enhance your writing and speaking skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense an obligation

Emphasizes the feeling of being morally or legally bound to do something.

have a duty

Highlights a moral or legal requirement to perform a certain action.

recognize accountability

Highlights the acceptance of being answerable for one's actions.

feel compelled

Highlights the internal pressure to take action.

bear a burden

Implies that the responsibility is difficult or onerous.

carry the weight

Suggests that the responsibility is significant and demanding.

shoulder a task

Focuses on taking on a specific job or duty.

take ownership

Emphasizes a sense of personal investment and control over a task.

deem it incumbent upon oneself

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing a feeling of duty.

consider it my place

Suggests a sense of duty based on one's role or position.

FAQs

How can I use "feel a responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "feel a responsibility" to express a sense of duty or obligation. For example, "I "feel a responsibility" to help my community" or "As a leader, I "feel a responsibility" to guide my team".

What are some alternatives to "feel a responsibility"?

Some alternatives to "feel a responsibility" include "sense an obligation", "have a duty", or "feel compelled". The best alternative depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I feel responsible" instead of "I feel a responsibility"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I feel responsible" emphasizes your state of being accountable, whereas "I "feel a responsibility"" emphasizes the specific duty or obligation you perceive.

What's the difference between "responsibility" and "accountability"?

"Responsibility" refers to the duty or obligation to perform a task or role. "Accountability", on the other hand, refers to being answerable for the outcome of that task or role. You can "feel a responsibility" to complete a project, but also be held accountable for its success or failure.