grave responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'grave responsibility' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate a serious or important task or obligation. For example, "The mayor has taken on the grave responsibility of ensuring the safety of the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Re "No More Silent Summers," by Anthony Tommasini (Critic's Notebook, June 29): The New York Philharmonic is a great public trust — sometimes even a grave responsibility, as in the orchestra's response to Sept. 11 a decade ago — one I take seriously, and one of the biggest joys of my life.

The New York Times

Instead, he stressed that the Lehman board had a "grave responsibility," a fiduciary duty to shareholders.

The New Yorker

What grave responsibility, what terrible guilt do they carry around which explains the reprisals against them?

The Guardian - Opinion

The Iranian revolution was a consequence of neocolonialist machinations in the country, for which Britain bore grave responsibility.

Independent

Those of us who are not in immediate peril have a grave responsibility to those who are.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for better or for worse, there simply is no person or body that can be entrusted with the grave responsibility of killing them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The company's behavior "carries grave responsibilities," the judge said.

The New York Times

We recognize that as an industry leader we have grave responsibilities in working inside our business.

The New York Times

To pull on a Sydney jumper carried grave responsibilities and they've often played their football accordingly.

The Guardian - Sport

But, from a religious perspective, authentic freedom comes with grave responsibilities: How much coverage do the voices of the global South get in the London press?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the story of nothing less than the awakening of a soul, the rise of an artistic vocation, and a young man's confrontation with the grave responsibilities of life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assigning or acknowledging a "grave responsibility", clearly articulate the specific expectations and potential ramifications involved. This ensures clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "grave responsibility" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave responsibility" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig confirms, it denotes a serious and important duty or obligation, indicating a significant potential for consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave responsibility" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the seriousness of a duty or task. Ludwig AI confirms that it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, business, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its serious tone, as overuse in informal settings can seem overly dramatic. For alternative phrasing, consider "serious obligation" or "critical task" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious obligation

Highlights the binding nature and importance of the duty.

critical task

Focuses on the importance and potential consequences of the undertaking.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and difficulty associated with the responsibility.

solemn undertaking

Highlights the serious and formal nature of the commitment.

vital commitment

Underscores the essential nature of the pledge and dedication required.

onerous duty

Stresses the demanding and troublesome aspect of the task.

profound accountability

Emphasizes the depth and extent of being answerable for actions.

demanding commitment

Focuses on the rigorous nature and high expectations of the task.

momentous charge

Stresses the historical importance and impact of the assigned task.

significant liability

Highlights the potential for negative repercussions or accountability.

FAQs

How to use "grave responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "grave responsibility" to emphasize the seriousness of a duty or task. For example, "The president bears the "grave responsibility" of protecting national security".

What can I say instead of "grave responsibility"?

Alternatives include "serious obligation", "heavy burden", or "critical task depending" on the specific context.

What is the difference between "grave responsibility" and "heavy responsibility"?

"Grave responsibility" implies a significant potential for negative consequences if the duty is not fulfilled, while "heavy responsibility" simply indicates a demanding or burdensome task.

Is "grave responsibility" a formal phrase?

Yes, "grave responsibility" is a formal phrase best suited for serious or official contexts. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly dramatic.