formally responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally responsible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an official or legal obligation to take responsibility for something. Example: "As the project manager, I am formally responsible for ensuring that all deadlines are met and that the team stays on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

All these countries expect a change.*Related items Ghana: Black star tries to rise, againJun 22nd 2006 From the archive: The Overseas ServiceMar 7th 1857At the beginning of this week the Colonial Office was formally responsible for territories with a combined population of about 80 million.

The Economist

Although Thomas was formally responsible for aquatic ecotoxicology at ECT GmbH, his research interests were much broader [4 7].

Environmental Sciences Europe

While the NHS has been formally responsible for public health since 1974, the past decade has seen councils working increasingly closely with their NHS cousins.

BBC

Dear Andy, Unfortunately or not, I have never been formally responsible for the Research Councils during my term as Chief Scientific Adviser, and now that I'm moving on I shall be even less so!

Science Magazine

In addition to passing laws, the Diet is formally responsible for selecting the Prime Minister.

Wikipedia

In the 1990s, Los Angeles was finally held formally responsible for the massive dust clouds that traveled all around the state and, according to a ranger I spoke to, as far away as the East Coast.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

All vestiges of British control ended in 1982, when the British Parliament passed the Canada Act, which formally made Canada responsible for all changes to its own constitution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

CM (formally McLaughlin) was responsible for the recruitment and running of the primary study and commented on the current manuscript.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

The mental health sector collaborates formally with sectors responsible for primary health care/community health, reproductive health, child and adolescent health, substance abuse, child protection, employment, welfare, criminal justice and the elderly.

BMC Health Services Research

In many situations, no one is formally designated as responsible for care coordination, so designating a dedicated person for this function, such as a case manager, seems the most promising avenue.

BMC Health Services Research

Just weeks before that test, my supervisor, who had been with the project since the beginning, announced that he was leaving to take a position at the government agency responsible for formally accepting our product.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally responsible", ensure clarity regarding the scope and nature of the responsibilities involved. Clearly define what the person or entity is responsible for and to whom or what they are accountable.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone is "formally responsible", they have all the necessary resources or authority to fulfill their obligations. Verify that they possess the required support and mandate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally responsible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating an official or legal obligation. Ludwig's examples show it describing roles with designated duties, like a CEO being responsible for financial performance. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally responsible" denotes an official or legal obligation, making it crucial for clearly defining roles and accountabilities. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and while it appears in various contexts, it is most common in science, news, and wiki sources. Alternatives like "officially accountable" or "legally liable" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, clarify the scope of responsibilities to avoid assumptions or ambiguities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially accountable

This alternative highlights the official nature of the responsibility.

legally liable

This emphasizes the legal aspect of being responsible, indicating potential legal consequences.

nominally in charge

This suggests a responsibility in name only, potentially lacking real authority.

technically accountable

Focuses on the technical or procedural aspect of responsibility.

expressly mandated

Highlights that the responsibility is clearly and explicitly ordered or assigned.

duly authorized

Emphasizes the proper authorization for the responsibility.

specifically tasked

Highlights that the responsibility involves a particular task or duty.

directly answerable

Emphasizes the direct line of accountability to someone or something.

de jure responsible

This Latin term refers to responsibility 'according to law' or 'by right'.

ultimately liable

Emphasizes the final and conclusive nature of the responsibility.

FAQs

How is "formally responsible" used in a sentence?

You can use "formally responsible" to indicate someone's official or legal obligation. For example, "The CEO is formally responsible for the company's financial performance."

What are some alternatives to "formally responsible"?

Consider using alternatives like "officially accountable", "legally liable", or "expressly mandated" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to be "formally responsible"?

Being "formally responsible" means that someone has a documented, official, or legal obligation to handle something. It implies a clear assignment of duties and accountability.

Is there a difference between "formally responsible" and simply "responsible"?

"Formally responsible" emphasizes that the responsibility is official or legal, whereas simply "responsible" implies a more general sense of duty or obligation. "Formally responsible" suggests that the duties are written or legally binding.