feel responsible for

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel responsible for" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might write, "I felt responsible for making sure the project was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She cannot feel responsible for that.

The New York Times - Arts

I feel responsible for my sister.

Independent

You feel responsible for that".

The New York Times

I feel responsible for this".

The New York Times - Sports

I feel responsible for everything.

The New York Times

I don't feel responsible for that.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I feel responsible for "Team Nigella"?

The Guardian

"I feel responsible for what happened to the other victims".

The New York Times - Sports

Socialist education teaches Cubans to feel responsible for one another.

The New York Times - Health

Does he feel responsible for them after so long?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I feel responsible for a whole bunch of kids.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of the phrase. "Feel responsible for" can convey both a sense of duty and potential guilt or obligation. Choose it when you intend to express both aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "feel responsible for" as a way to avoid acknowledging direct fault. While it conveys a sense of accountability, it can sometimes be perceived as a less direct admission of error. Be clear about your role and avoid using the phrase as a shield.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel responsible for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a sense of duty, obligation, or accountability towards something or someone. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable expression in written English, indicating a personal connection to the outcome or well-being of the object of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel responsible for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sense of duty or obligation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently used in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. While alternatives like "be accountable for" or "take ownership of" exist, "feel responsible for" carries a unique nuance of personal investment. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the scope and nature of the responsibility are clearly defined. Avoid overusing it or employing it as a means of deflecting blame, as genuine responsibility should align with the actual level of influence one possesses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible

This is a more concise version, omitting the 'for'.

bear the responsibility for

This alternative adds emphasis to the burden or weight of the responsibility.

be accountable for

This phrase shifts the focus slightly to formal accountability, often in a professional or legal context.

shoulder the responsibility for

This suggests taking on a burden of responsibility.

take ownership of

This phrase emphasizes personal commitment and acceptance of responsibility.

be answerable for

This implies a need to explain or justify actions or outcomes.

be liable for

This suggests legal or financial responsibility for something.

be in charge of

This indicates a role of leadership and control, implying responsibility.

be duty-bound to

Suggests a moral or ethical obligation.

be to blame for

This specifically denotes responsibility for something negative or undesirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel responsible for" to express a sense of duty or obligation towards someone or something. For example, "I "feel responsible for" the safety of my team" or "She "feels responsible for" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "feel responsible for"?

Alternatives to "feel responsible for" include "be accountable for", "be in charge of", or "take ownership of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say "I feel responsible for"?

While "feel responsible for" is generally acceptable, it's important to ensure that the responsibility is appropriately attributed. Overusing the phrase without genuine connection to the situation can diminish its impact. Make sure it aligns with the actual level of influence or control you have.

What's the difference between "feel responsible for" and "be responsible for"?

"Be responsible for" typically indicates a formal or assigned duty, while "feel responsible for" expresses a personal sense of obligation or accountability, even if not formally assigned. For example, one might "be responsible" for managing a budget but "feel responsible for" the well-being of their employees.