given the responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given the responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the assignment or delegation of duties or tasks to someone. Example: "Given the responsibility of leading the project, she felt both excited and nervous about the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In early 2006 he was given the responsibility of managing all U.K. operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think the big difference," Stewart said, "is he's been given the responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Each person was given the responsibility to handle more tasks, becoming more like a craftsman.

The New York Times

Bell, given the responsibility of batting at three, is the poster boy of Birmingham.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, schools have been given the responsibility to secure independent, impartial advice.

The Guardian

That happened often in my career: I'd find something that needed fixing, raise my hand and be given the responsibility.

The New York Times

"But my experience is that when people have been given the responsibility of governing, they rise to the occasion".

The New York Times

But it would be a mistake to suggest he should be given the responsibility going into these two vital games".

Independent

He was given the responsibility of completing a 60-family, 16-story project on East 14th Street in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Counselors shouldn't be the only adults in our schools given the responsibility of making meaningful, positive connections with children.

The New York Times

"Most lifeguards are 16 or 17, not allowed to vote but given the responsibility of saving lives".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given the responsibility", clearly define the scope and limitations of the assigned duties to avoid ambiguity. Ensure the person receiving the responsibility has the necessary resources and support.

Common error

Avoid vagueness when using "given the responsibility". Instead of saying someone was "given the responsibility", specify what they were responsible for. For example, instead of "He was given the responsibility", use "He was given the responsibility of managing the project budget."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the responsibility" functions as a passive construction indicating the assignment of a duty or task to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it's used to describe situations where individuals or organizations are entrusted with specific duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given the responsibility" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of assigning duties or tasks, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. While versatile, it's important to define the scope of the responsibility clearly. Consider alternatives like "entrusted with the duty" for a more formal tone, or "made responsible for" for a less formal approach. Remember that accountability is a separate concept from simply being given a responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entrusted with the duty

Replaces "given" with "entrusted" and specifies "duty" instead of the broader "responsibility".

made responsible for

A more direct and active way of expressing the assignment of responsibility.

assigned the task

Focuses on a specific "task" rather than a general area of responsibility.

tasked with the responsibility

Uses "tasked" as a verb to indicate the action of assigning responsibility.

placed in charge of

Emphasizes the leadership aspect of the responsibility.

delegated the authority

Highlights the "authority" that accompanies the responsibility.

charged with the duty

Emphasizes the formal or official nature of the assignment.

appointed to oversee

Highlights the supervisory aspect of the responsibility.

held accountable for

Focuses on the consequences and oversight associated with the responsibility.

handed the reins of

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the idea of giving control or leadership.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "given the responsibility" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives such as "entrusted with the duty", "charged with the duty", or "delegated the authority" depending on the context.

What's a less formal way to say "given the responsibility"?

Less formal options include "made responsible for", or "placed in charge of". These phrases are more direct and conversational.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when talking about assigning responsibilities?

While "given the responsibility" is in the passive voice, using the active voice can often be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "He was given the responsibility", you could say "They assigned him the responsibility".

What's the difference between being "given the responsibility" and being "held accountable for"?

Being "given the responsibility" implies being assigned a task or duty. Being "held accountable for" focuses on the consequences and oversight associated with that responsibility. You can be given a responsibility but not necessarily be held accountable, and vice versa.