holding accountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding accountable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase in a sentence to refer to the idea of someone being responsible for their actions or the actions of others. For example, "The school board is committed to holding accountable all students, staff, and administrators for a positive and safe learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By holding accountable the leaders to keep their word when they pledge.

Independent

According to Mr. Karzai's office, it said "the error was inadvertent," and promised to take "the appropriate steps to avoid any recurrence, to include holding accountable those responsible".

The New York Times

They insisted on holding accountable the local council, whose security committee the masked men claimed to represent, and the town's military command, the Revolutionary Front of Saraqib.

The New York Times

Unicef is also committed to holding accountable those responsible for the abduction and forced recruitment, whether government forces or armed opposition groups.

Independent

Holding accountable those who administer the means of violating international law would help make those who come after them think twice before doing so.

The New York Times

Closing the global circuits that feed violence in eastern Congo, and holding accountable those involved, would be worthwhile insurance for that investment.

The New York Times

But the report lacked an equal measure of candor about holding accountable not just abusive priests but also the bishops and cardinals who covered up their crimes.

The New York Times

"Today, we honor that service by holding accountable the very few individuals who abused that employment by committing some very serious crimes against dozens of innocent civilians".

The New York Times

I'm talking about the believing in kind, the being consistent with kind, the holding accountable kind, the absolutely reliable kind, the boring, tiring and pretty much invisible kind.

The Guardian

He took on a crusader's role, holding accountable well-known producers who were coasting on reputation and calling for an end to abusive agricultural practices and fraudulent production techniques.

The New York Times

The Obama administration, which declined last week to push for a national freeze on foreclosures, emphasized Tuesday that it was committed to holding accountable any bank that had violated the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holding accountable", clearly define the specific actions or outcomes for which someone is being held responsible to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "holding accountable" without specifying the measures or consequences involved; otherwise, it can come across as an empty threat. Be clear about what steps will be taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding accountable" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It indicates the act of ensuring someone is responsible for their actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holding accountable" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to emphasize responsibility and ensure that individuals or entities are answerable for their actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, business, and general discussions. When using "holding accountable", it's essential to define specific actions or outcomes and measures involved. Some alternatives include "ensuring accountability", "imposing responsibility", and "calling to account". Be mindful of the context to ensure the chosen phrase conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensuring accountability

This phrase emphasizes the process of making someone answerable for their actions or decisions.

making someone answerable

Highlights that someone should be ready to answer questions about decisions.

imposing responsibility

This highlights the act of assigning blame or duty.

demanding responsibility

Focuses on the insistence of someone taking ownership.

calling to account

An idiomatic expression highlighting the act of requiring an explanation for actions.

making someone liable

This highlights the action of legally making someone liable.

bringing to justice

This relates to legal or formal actions against wrongdoers.

liable for

This phrase emphasizes the legal responsibility.

ensuring compliance

Focuses on adherence to standards or rules.

overseeing responsibilities

Highlights the action of monitor action in order to be sure someone will do it.

FAQs

How do you use "holding accountable" in a sentence?

The phrase "holding accountable" is used to emphasize that someone is responsible for their actions and will face consequences if necessary. For example, "The company is committed to "holding accountable" those responsible for the data breach."

What is an alternative to "holding accountable"?

Some alternatives to "holding accountable" include "ensuring accountability", "imposing responsibility", or "calling to account" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "hold accountable" or "holding accountable"?

The choice between "hold accountable" and "holding accountable" depends on the sentence structure. "Hold accountable" is used as an imperative or infinitive, while "holding accountable" functions as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "We must hold the CEO accountable" versus "The process involves "holding accountable" all employees."

What's the difference between "holding responsible" and "holding accountable"?

"Holding responsible" and "holding accountable" are often used interchangeably, but "holding accountable" implies a more formal process or consequence. You "hold someone responsible" for an action, and you "hold someone accountable" through specific measures.