feel accountable

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel accountable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that someone has a sense of responsibility or remorse about something they have done. For example, "I feel accountable for not speaking out against the injustice earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Those who don't feel accountable don't act accountably.

The New York Times

This feeling can arise when parents feel accountable for their children's problems [ 12] and therefore admit the need to change behavior related to oral health [ 17].

BMC Public Health

They feel accountable.

The Guardian - Sport

Citizens don't feel accountable and law enforcers are impotent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's hard for a team to feel accountable if its performance isn't being scrutinized.

The New Yorker

I was happy to feel accountable for the mistakes that that freedom let in.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I did it because I felt accountable".

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't feel personally culpable for those actions," he said, but he felt accountable.

The Guardian - Business

Plato, as she points out, felt accountable only to a small group of aristocratic Greek landowners.

The Guardian - Books

When the police leadership feels accountable and the rank and file feel representative then two things can happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was the tip of the operation, and knew it, and really felt accountable to the rest of the people around him to tell them what is going on and help them be a part of the decision-making on what he should say and do".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel accountable", clarify to whom or what the responsibility is directed to.

Common error

Avoid using "feel accountable" solely in contexts of failure; balance it with recognizing and rewarding successful ownership of responsibilities to prevent a blame-focused environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel accountable" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a state of being or a characteristic. Ludwig shows this indicates a subjective experience of responsibility, implying a sense of duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel accountable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of responsibility or obligation. Ludwig's examples reveal its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase often conveys a willingness to be held responsible for one's actions or the actions of a group. While "feel accountable" is generally neutral in tone, it can also carry a more formal weight in business settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s validity. Remember to focus on ownership and proactive problem-solving and to avoid the error of using "feel accountable" solely in negative situations or associating it only with failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

Highlights the act of assuming responsibility.

sense responsibility

Focuses on the feeling of responsibility rather than accountability.

bear responsibility

Implies actively carrying the burden of responsibility.

own responsibility

Emphasizes acceptance and ownership of responsibility.

accept blame

Focuses on taking responsibility for errors or misdeeds.

be held responsible

Emphasizes being subject to external accountability.

be answerable for

Highlights the obligation to explain or justify actions.

be liable

Implies legal or financial responsibility.

be culpable

Suggests moral or ethical blameworthiness.

feel duty-bound

Emphasizes a sense of obligation stemming from duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel accountable" to express a sense of responsibility for one's actions or the actions of a group. For example, "The team members "feel accountable" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "feel accountable"?

Alternatives include "take responsibility", "accept blame", or "sense responsibility" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "feel accountable" or "are held accountable"?

"Feel accountable" implies an internal sense of responsibility, while "are held accountable" suggests an external imposition of responsibility. The best choice depends on whether you are describing an internal feeling or an external expectation.

What does it mean to "feel accountable" to a team?

To "feel accountable" to a team means that you feel responsible for contributing to the team's goals and are willing to be answerable for your actions and their impact on the team's success.