in the charge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the charge of" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
It can refer to someone being made responsible for something. For example: "The care of the orphanage was placed in the charge of the local council".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Great, I thought: I'm in the charge of these people.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Hemmings Hussarss uniform in The Charge Of The Light Brigade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He grew up partly in the charge of reluctant relatives, partly in St. Asaph Workhouse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some are still in the charge of people-smugglers; others have been cast adrift.

The Economist

Caught up in the "charge of history," he wanders the city like a traveler in a time warp.

The New York Times - Travel

He was out of step for many years with whoever was in the charge of the leadership.

The Guardian

She was left with permanent brain damage, and in the charge of her already emotionally disturbed son.

The Guardian - Film

The netsuke were relegated to the dressing room, a room in the charge of her maid Anna.

The Guardian

By 1400 the signet, as the secret seal was then called, was in the charge of the king's secretary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And then I got the Hussar jacket, the one worn by the 11th Hussars in the Charge of the Light Brigade.

The Guardian - Music

The history rang true - about the pirates of the African coast or the soldiers who took part in the charge of the Light Brigade.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the charge of" to clearly indicate who is responsible for a person, object, or task. This phrase is particularly useful in formal contexts or when specifying a transfer of responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "in the charge of" when the responsibility is unclear or shared among multiple parties. Be precise about the specific duties and limitations associated with the charge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the charge of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating responsibility, care, or control over something or someone. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the charge of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to denote responsibility or control over someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful phrase. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. While generally neutral in register, it leans slightly toward professional contexts. When using this phrase, clarity in specifying duties and limitations is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "responsible for" or "under the supervision of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsible for

A general term indicating accountability for actions, outcomes, or well-being.

under the supervision of

Specifies oversight and guidance, implying a hierarchical relationship where actions are monitored.

overseen by

Indicates a supervisory role, focusing on monitoring and directing activities.

entrusted to the care of

Emphasizes the act of giving someone responsibility with a sense of trust and reliance.

managed by

Highlights the organizational and administrative aspect of being in control.

directed by

Emphasizes the act of guiding and instructing, often in the context of projects or teams.

under the guardianship of

Implies legal or formal responsibility, often used in situations involving minors or dependents.

in the custody of

Suggests a more formal or legal control, often used when referring to law enforcement or protective services.

accountable to

Focuses on the obligation to report and justify actions to a higher authority.

in the hands of

Indicates control or possession, often with the implication of capability or expertise.

FAQs

What does "in the charge of" mean?

The phrase "in the charge of" means that someone has been given the responsibility to care for, manage, or control someone or something. It indicates a designated role of oversight and accountability.

How can I use "in the charge of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the charge of" to specify who is responsible for a particular person, place, or thing. For example, "The children were left "in the charge of" their grandmother while their parents were away."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the charge of"?

Alternatives to "in the charge of" include "responsible for", "under the supervision of", or "entrusted to the care of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "in the charge of" and "responsible for"?

While both phrases indicate responsibility, "in the charge of" often implies a more direct and immediate supervisory role, whereas "responsible for" can encompass a broader range of duties and accountabilities.