he is answerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is answerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is responsible for something or accountable for their actions or decisions. Example: "As the project manager, he is answerable for the team's performance and the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Is it too much to ask for Dave Price to come back on here and answer the licence payers to whom he is answerable?

BBC

At present he is answerable solely to disgruntled Czech voters.

The Economist

If the king breaks his contract with God, then he is answerable to God alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And his voluntary step back, however well intended, suggests he is answerable only to himself.

The New York Times

Mr. Giffen replies that he is answerable only to one person: Mr. Nazarbayev.

The New York Times

Unlike the bickering Western leaders who have failed to deter him, he is answerable only to himself.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He's answerable to me.

The Guardian

He was answerable not to any official in Tehran, he explained, but to Sharia law.

The New Yorker

He said he was answerable not to the press, but to the party.

The Guardian

"Often I explain to the patient that there is an authority figure he's answerable to, but it's not human.

The New Yorker

A diplomat was not responsible for crimes committed before his mission, but he was answerable for any crimes committed during it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is answerable" when you want to emphasize that someone has a clear obligation to explain their actions or decisions to a specific authority or group.

Common error

Avoid using "he is answerable" without clearly defining to whom he is answerable. For example, instead of saying "He is answerable for the failure", specify "He is answerable to the board for the failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is answerable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being accountable or responsible. It indicates an obligation to justify actions or decisions to a specific authority. As Ludwig AI shows, the expression is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is answerable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies accountability and responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. This phrase implies a duty to explain one's actions or decisions to a specific authority or group. While alternatives like "he is accountable" or "he is responsible" exist, "he is answerable" effectively conveys the notion of being subject to scrutiny and explanation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying to whom the individual is answerable to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is accountable

Replaces 'answerable' with 'accountable', a direct synonym emphasizing the obligation to justify actions.

he is responsible

Substitutes 'answerable' with 'responsible', highlighting the burden of duty and potential blame.

he is liable

Replaces 'answerable' with 'liable', focusing on legal or financial responsibility.

he is held to account

Changes the structure to a passive form, emphasizing the act of being made to answer for actions.

he must answer for

Uses a modal verb to express obligation, highlighting the necessity of responding to a charge or inquiry.

he is under obligation

Focuses on the duty imposed on the person to fulfill certain requirements or expectations.

he is subject to scrutiny

Shifts the focus to the potential for examination and criticism of his actions.

he is duty-bound

Emphasizes the moral or ethical imperative for the person to be responsible.

he is within the jurisdiction

Changes the focus from general accountability to a specific, legal jurisdiction.

he is at the mercy

This indicates that the person's fate or outcome depends on someone else's decision or actions.

FAQs

What does "he is answerable to someone" mean?

It means he is responsible for his actions and must explain or justify them to that person. It implies a hierarchical relationship or a system of accountability.

What can I say instead of "he is answerable"?

You can use alternatives like "he is accountable", "he is responsible", or "he is liable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he is answerable for something"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It means he is responsible for the outcome or consequences of that thing, and may need to explain it.

How does "he is answerable" differ from "he is accountable"?

While similar, "answerable" often implies a more direct obligation to explain or justify actions to a specific person or group, while "he is accountable" can have a broader sense of being responsible for results.