is answerable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is answerable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate accountability or responsibility to someone or something, often in a hierarchical context. Example: "As the project manager, she is answerable to the board of directors for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One answer is that Ronan Murphy's killing tipped off the men Dot is answerable to, and that given he's the clean-up man – "I do this for a living" – he promptly texted Hari and ordered him to take him out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everyone is answerable to someone further up the food chain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr Sarkozy is answerable to the law as others.

The Guardian

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

They may be wrong, but their judgment is answerable to no one but God.

The New York Times

But he continued, "in the end our conscience is answerable to God.

The New York Times

In Germany the supervisory boards do not run a business, but management is answerable to them.

The Guardian

"The board is answerable to the entire public, not to any one person".

The New York Times

Anyone who steps out of line is answerable to him alone".

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone is answerable to someone further up the food chain... Boardwalk Empire is deeply rewarding".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He added: "The IOC itself needs dramatic reform so that it is answerable to somebody".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is answerable to", ensure the context clearly defines who or what the subject is responsible to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is answerable to" when "is responsible for" is more appropriate. "Answerable to" implies a hierarchical relationship where explanations are due, while "responsible for" indicates a duty of care or management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is answerable to" functions as a predicate, indicating a relationship of accountability or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes that someone or something must provide explanations or justifications to another entity. Examples show its use in various contexts, from political responsibility to corporate governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is answerable to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express accountability or responsibility. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies that an entity is obliged to explain or justify its actions to another, often in a hierarchical context. Usage is highest in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in discussions of governance and oversight. While alternatives like "is accountable to" or "is responsible to" exist, "is answerable to" specifically highlights the need for explanation and justification. Therefore, using this phrase effectively ensures clarity in defining roles and responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is accountable to

Focuses on the obligation to report and justify actions to someone.

is responsible to

Highlights the duty to manage something and answer for its outcome.

reports to

Emphasizes a direct hierarchical relationship in a professional context.

answers to

Indicates the person or body that one must explain their actions to.

is under the authority of

Suggests a formal structure where decisions are subject to approval.

is subject to the control of

Implies that someone's actions are governed by another's power.

is governed by

Highlights the rules or principles that dictate someone's actions.

is obligated to

Highlights a legal or moral requirement to act in a specific manner.

is at the mercy of

Suggests dependency on another's decisions, usually in a vulnerable position.

is compliant with

Focuses on adhering to rules and regulations, ensuring alignment with set standards.

FAQs

What does "is answerable to" mean?

The phrase "is answerable to" means someone is responsible to a person or body for their actions or decisions and must be able to explain or justify them.

How can I use "is answerable to" in a sentence?

You can use "is answerable to" to show a relationship of accountability, such as "The CEO "is accountable to" the board of directors for the company's financial performance".

What are some alternatives to saying "is answerable to"?

Alternatives include "is accountable to", "is responsible to", or "reports to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is answerable to" and "is responsible for"?

While both imply responsibility, "is answerable to" suggests a hierarchical structure where one must provide explanations or justifications, while "is responsible for" typically refers to a duty or obligation to manage or oversee something.