legally responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legally responsible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing accountability or liability in a legal context, often in relation to individuals or organizations. Example: "The company is legally responsible for ensuring the safety of its products."

✓ Grammatically correct

Legal

Business

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whereas a publication is legally responsible for what it publishes, Glassdoor's reviews are the responsibility of its reviewers.

The New Yorker

Is he legally responsible?

The New York Times

I am legally responsible for the business".

The Guardian - Business

"It is about who is legally responsible.

The Guardian

Q : Who is legally responsible for the spill?

The New York Times - Science

l am legally responsible … knowledgeable and well briefed".

The Guardian - Business

Alice is legally responsible for her grand-daughter".

The Guardian

Not to do so makes the CEO legally responsible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Weird cases: can a four year old be legally responsible?

The Times

In Italy, corporate executives are held legally responsible for a company's actions.

The New York Times

This makes them legally responsible to us for the way they take care of it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legally responsible", ensure you specify exactly what the person or entity is responsible for to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The company is legally responsible for the safety of its employees."

Common error

Avoid assuming legal responsibility without proper legal counsel. An individual may be morally responsible, but not necessarily "legally responsible". Always confirm the existence and extent of any legal obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally responsible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is subject to legal obligations or consequences. It signifies a formal acknowledgment of accountability under the law. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legally responsible" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is accountable under the law. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequent appearance in news, academic, and business contexts indicates its importance in formal discussions of liability and obligations. To avoid ambiguity, always specify the exact scope of the responsibility. Alternatives such as "legally liable", "accountable in law", and "under legal obligation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When determining "legal responsibility", legal counsel is recommended to ensure complete accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Liable under the law

This alternative directly replaces "responsible" with "liable", emphasizing the legal accountability.

Legally bound

Indicates a formal and enforceable legal commitment.

Accountable in law

Swaps "responsible" for "accountable", highlighting the obligation to answer for something in a legal context.

Obligated by law

Replaces "responsible" with "obligated", focusing on a legal duty.

Under legal obligation

Emphasizes the existence of a legal duty or requirement.

Required by law

Highlights the mandatory aspect of the responsibility stemming from legal requirements.

Legally answerable

Combines the concepts of legal standing and the need to answer for one's actions.

Subject to legal action

Focuses on the potential consequences of not fulfilling legal obligations.

Answerable before the law

Highlights the obligation to respond or justify actions in a legal setting.

Held to legal standards

Emphasizes adherence to legal benchmarks and expectations.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "legally responsible"?

Being "legally responsible" means that an individual or entity is accountable under the law for certain actions or omissions. This can involve financial penalties, legal action, or other consequences. It's similar to being "legally liable".

Who can be "legally responsible"?

Individuals, companies, organizations, and even governmental bodies can be "legally responsible". The specific circumstances and applicable laws determine who bears the legal responsibility in any given situation.

How do you determine if someone is "legally responsible"?

Determining legal responsibility typically involves legal analysis, investigation, and potentially court proceedings. Evidence is gathered and legal principles are applied to ascertain whether a party violated a law or breached a duty, leading to the question of legal responsibility. Consulting legal counsel is recommended.

What are some alternatives to saying "legally responsible"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "legally liable", "accountable in law", or "under legal obligation".