he was responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "he was responsible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone having ownership, accountability, or authority over something or someone. For example, "He was responsible for completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was responsible, and he took responsibility seriously.

The New York Times

He was responsible".

The New Yorker

He was responsible for both mortgages.

The New York Times - Health

Nothing suggests he was responsible.

The Guardian

"He was responsible and conscientious.

The Guardian

He was responsible for damaging department property.

The New Yorker

Amukamara said he was responsible for the missed assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

He and other officials denied he was responsible.

The New York Times

He was responsible for importing Chinese labourers (the "coolie system").

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was responsible and resolute in his opposition to violence.

The New York Times

Last year he was responsible for policy on Isis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was responsible", ensure the context clearly defines what he was responsible for to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "He was responsible", use "He was responsible for managing the project budget."

Common error

Avoid using "he was responsible" without specifying the area of responsibility. Vague statements can lead to confusion and misinterpretations. Always provide specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was responsible" primarily functions as a statement of accountability or duty. It indicates that an individual had ownership, control, or obligation related to a specific action, task, or situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was responsible" is a common phrase used to assign accountability or describe someone's duties. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "he" was responsible for. Alternative phrases like ""he was accountable"" or ""he was in charge"" can be used for variety. Remember to use "for" after "responsible". Overall, "he was responsible" is a versatile and useful phrase in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was accountable

This emphasizes being answerable for the outcome or consequences.

he bore responsibility

This alternative suggests a formal acceptance and carrying of duty.

he took ownership of

Emphasizes the acceptance of accountability and the assumption of control.

he was in charge

This indicates leadership and control over a situation or task.

he had control

This focuses on the power and authority one possessed to influence actions.

he oversaw

Implies supervision and management of an activity or project.

he was the cause of

This shifts the focus to being the originator or reason behind an event.

he was at the helm

Suggests leading and directing something, similar to steering a ship.

he managed

Implies handling and organizing tasks or people to achieve a goal.

he was the leader

Indicates a position of authority and guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "he was responsible" in a sentence?

Use "he was responsible" to indicate accountability or authority. For example, "He was responsible for the team's performance" or "He was responsible for the budget."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was responsible"?

Alternatives include "he was accountable", "he was in charge", or "he bore responsibility", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he was responsible of" instead of "he was responsible for"?

The correct preposition to use with "he was responsible" is "for". "He was responsible for" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

What's the difference between "he was responsible" and "he is responsible"?

"He was responsible" indicates a past responsibility, while "he is responsible" indicates a current responsibility. The tense changes the timeframe of the responsibility.