having responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a role or a task. For example: "I have the responsibility for ensuring that the report is finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Roosevelt proposed that the world would be divided into British and American areas of responsibility, with the United States having responsibility for the Pacific, where there would be an American supreme commander responsible to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Wikipedia

Having responsibility for the Dome thrust upon him was not self-evidently an act of chumship by the Prime Minister.

The Guardian

When you're a star who green-lights a picture, you start having responsibility for what kind of pictures get made.

The New York Times

The "Managing Someone Else's Money" guides —four in all, depending on the legal situation that results in you having responsibility for someone else's finances — are available free online.

The New York Times

These also had republican constitutions, being controlled by elected councils and annual magistrates and having responsibility for raising taxes and administering local justice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While having responsibility for the publication of more than 1,500 titles a year, he carefully preserved the high standards of the oldest press in the world.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is not something that Swedens have responsibility for".1.1

European Journal of Futures Research

The UK Border Agency has responsibility for age assessments.

The Guardian

The trust has clarified what it has responsibility for and what the management has responsibility for.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has not had responsibility for Neymar's meteoric rise.

The New York Times - Sports

And we have responsibility for the whole world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "having responsibility for". In formal settings, it conveys a clear sense of duty and accountability. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "in charge of" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assigning the same responsibility to multiple individuals without clear delineation. This can lead to confusion and a lack of accountability. Instead, specify distinct aspects of the responsibility for each person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having responsibility for" functions as a verb phrase that describes the state of being accountable or in charge of something. It indicates that someone or something is entrusted with a specific duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms this validity and usability across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Huffington Post

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "having responsibility for" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote accountability and obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. With a neutral to professional register, this phrase is suitable for formal communications, news reports, and academic papers. While similar phrases like "being responsible for" and "being in charge of" exist, "having responsibility for" explicitly assigns a specific duty or task to an individual or entity. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles, highlighting its widespread use across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being responsible for

A simpler variant using the adjective "responsible".

being accountable for

Replaces "responsibility" with "accountable", emphasizing the obligation to answer for outcomes.

being in charge of

Focuses on the aspect of control and management, implying authority over something.

overseeing

Highlights the supervisory aspect of responsibility.

being tasked with

Emphasizes the assignment of a specific duty or task.

being liable for

Implies legal or financial accountability.

managing

Focuses on the operational aspects of the responsibility.

administering

Suggests a formal and organizational role in handling something.

handling

Implies a direct involvement in dealing with something.

taking care of

Focuses on the aspect of providing care and attention.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "having responsibility for"?

You can use alternatives like "being responsible for", "being in charge of", or "overseeing" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "having responsibility for" in a sentence?

You can use "having responsibility for" to indicate that someone is accountable for a specific task or area. For example: "The manager is having responsibility for the budget."

Is there a difference between "having responsibility for" and "being responsible for"?

While both phrases are similar, "having responsibility for" often implies a more formal or assigned role, whereas "being responsible for" can also indicate a general sense of duty or moral obligation.

Can "having responsibility for" imply legal obligations?

Yes, in certain contexts, "having responsibility for" can imply legal obligations, especially when related to financial matters or safety regulations. In such cases, alternatives like "being liable for" might be even more appropriate.