it was their responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was their responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular duty or obligation fell upon a specific group of people in a given context. Example: "When the project failed, it was their responsibility to ensure that all tasks were completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"If the mayors of Butare affirm that the massacres began under my order, they are responsible, because it was their responsibility to maintain order," Sindikubwabo said.

The New Yorker

"They admitted it was their responsibility," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

State officials said it was their responsibility to evacuate patients if necessary.

The New York Times

Steve Sumner said he thought it was their responsibility, as season ticket holders for 26 years, to support the players.

The New York Times - Sports

A strong majority – 84% – agreed that it was their responsibility to improve the world through their lifestyle.

The Guardian

Then they learned it was their responsibility to house and to feed the work crews, a local custom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's their responsibility.

The New York Times

"It is their responsibility.

The New York Times

It's their responsibility, not America's.

The New York Times

But it is their responsibility," he said.

The Guardian

It's their responsibility to take over their own security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was their responsibility" to highlight accountability within organizations or teams. This helps to emphasize ownership and promotes responsible behavior.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions involving "it was their responsibility". Opt for active voice when possible (e.g., "They were responsible for...") to create a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was their responsibility" functions as a statement of obligation or accountability. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to assign duties or tasks to a specific group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was their responsibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote obligation and accountability. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's particularly common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating who "they" refers to and what specific duties they hold. Avoid overuse of passive voice by preferring active constructions whenever possible. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate responsibility and foster accountability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were responsible

Rephrases the sentence by changing the subject and verb structure.

it was their obligation

Replaces "responsibility" with a synonym.

it was incumbent upon them

Emphasizes the obligatory nature using a more formal tone.

the onus was on them

Highlights the burden of proof or action being on them.

they had a duty to

Uses "duty" to underscore the moral or legal obligation.

it fell to them to

Indicates that the task or obligation devolved to them.

they were tasked with

Focuses on the act of assigning responsibility.

they were liable for

Highlights legal or financial accountability.

they were in charge of

Emphasizes their role as leaders or managers of something.

it was their job to

Uses a simpler, more direct expression.

FAQs

What does "it was their responsibility" mean?

The phrase "it was their responsibility" means that a particular group or individual had a duty, obligation, or accountability to perform a specific task or ensure a certain outcome. It implies that they would be held accountable if the task wasn't completed or the outcome wasn't achieved.

How can I use "it was their responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "it was their responsibility" to assign accountability. For example: "It was their responsibility to ensure the project was completed on time" or "It was their responsibility to monitor the accounts of banks".

What are some alternatives to "it was their responsibility"?

Alternatives include "they were responsible", "it was their duty", or "they were accountable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "they were responsible" or "it was their responsibility"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "They were responsible" is more direct and active, while "it was their responsibility" places more emphasis on the concept of responsibility itself. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and writing style.