is responsible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is responsible for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone being in charge of a duty or task. For example, "The manager is responsible for hiring new employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is responsible for identity?

The New Yorker

Who is responsible for those?

The New Yorker

Nobody is responsible for you.

Independent

The latter is responsible for criminal law.

The Economist

But who is responsible for this?

The Guardian

Melatonin is responsible for REM sleep.

The New York Times

Ms. Sharpe is responsible for them all.

The New York Times

The United States is responsible for defense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And who is responsible for the show?

Independent

Who is responsible for fixing it?

The New York Times

"Who is responsible for that rape?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is responsible for", clearly define the specific tasks or outcomes for which the subject is accountable to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project manager is responsible for delivering the project on time and within budget."

Common error

Avoid assigning overly broad or vague responsibilities when using "is responsible for". Be specific about the duties to prevent confusion and ensure accountability. For instance, instead of saying "He is responsible for customer satisfaction", specify "He is responsible for resolving customer complaints within 24 hours and maintaining a 90% satisfaction rating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is responsible for" functions as a verb phrase indicating accountability or obligation. It connects a subject to a duty, task, or outcome for which they are held accountable. Ludwig showcases numerous examples where this phrase is used to assign responsibility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is responsible for" is a common and grammatically correct way to assign accountability or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to indicate who is in charge of a specific task or outcome. Found most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone appropriate for both formal and informal settings. While alternatives like "is in charge of" or "is accountable for" exist, the best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. To ensure clarity, always define specific tasks or outcomes when assigning responsibility. Avoid overly broad statements, as this can lead to confusion. The phrase "is responsible for" is a solid choice to assign accountability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is accountable for

This phrase emphasizes the obligation to answer for the outcomes or consequences of actions.

bears the responsibility for

This alternative emphasizes the weight and burden of responsibility, suggesting a more significant obligation.

is in charge of

This alternative focuses on the aspect of management and oversight rather than direct responsibility.

is tasked with

This phrase highlights the assignment of a specific duty or task, rather than overall responsibility.

has the duty to

This option underscores the moral or legal obligation to perform a certain action.

is liable for

This alternative often refers to legal or financial responsibility.

is the cause of

This alternative focuses on causation, where the subject directly leads to a specific result, rather than general accountability.

is to blame for

This phrase implies fault or culpability for a negative outcome, which is more accusatory than neutral responsibility.

oversees

Focuses on supervising actions rather than bearing responsibility for the outcome.

is the designated party for

This focuses on official appointment rather than actual execution of a task.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "is responsible for" in a sentence?

The phrase "is responsible for" is used to indicate who has control and accountability over something. For instance, "The CEO "is responsible for" the company's overall performance" or "The developer "is responsible for" writing the code".

What are some alternatives to "is responsible for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is in charge of", "is accountable for", or "is tasked with".

When is it appropriate to use "is responsible for" instead of "is in charge of"?

"Is responsible for" implies accountability for outcomes, whereas "is in charge of" primarily denotes a supervisory role. Use ""is responsible for"" when someone is held accountable for results.

What's the difference between "is responsible for" and "is liable for"?

"Is responsible for" implies a general duty or obligation, while "is liable for" typically indicates legal or financial accountability. If there are potential legal or financial consequences, "is liable for" is more appropriate.