make responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make responsible" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to assign or give someone the responsibility for something. Example: "The manager decided to make John responsible for overseeing the new project." In this sentence, "make responsible" indicates that the manager is giving John the responsibility for overseeing the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make responsible choices about spending.

Cornell University

"We are trying to make responsible world citizens," he said.

The New York Times

But shoppers can make responsible changes right away.

The New York Times

He added he had faith that I would always make responsible choices.

The New York Times

In theory such labels are intended to help shoppers make responsible choices.

The New York Times

It must draw defensible conclusions, based on the evidence (and not speculation), and must make responsible recommendations.

The Guardian

We should be making it easier for fathers who make responsible choices and harder for those who avoid them.

The New York Times

As Americans, we rely on our freedom to choose: It is up to the individual to make responsible choices.

The Washington Post

The Andlinger Center's goal was to equip them with information to make responsible and sustainable decisions for their organizations.

Princeton University

The state contended that it was trying to reduce the cost of public assistance and to encourage women on welfare to make responsible choices.

The New York Times

A soft burn of neglect suddenly raged into a fierce inferno, exposing the inability of those inside the industry to make responsible decisions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make responsible", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being made responsible and for what. For example, "Make the team responsible for meeting the deadline" clearly assigns accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "make responsible" without specifying the scope and limits of the responsibility. For instance, saying "Make them responsible" without detailing the task or outcome can lead to confusion and ineffective delegation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make responsible" functions as a verb phrase used to assign accountability or delegate a task. It indicates the act of entrusting someone with a specific duty or obligation, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make responsible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for assigning accountability or delegating tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct, and its prevalence across diverse contexts—news, academia, and business—underscores its versatility. To use it effectively, ensure clarity in assigning the responsibility, specifying the scope and expected outcomes. Alternatives like "act responsibly" or "take responsibility" can provide nuanced options, depending on whether the focus is on the action or the acceptance of accountability. Ultimately, "make responsible" serves as a powerful tool for establishing clear lines of responsibility in various professional and personal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act responsibly

Emphasizes the action of being responsible, rather than the act of making something responsible.

take responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability for something.

ensure accountability

Highlights the act of ensuring that someone is held accountable.

promote responsibility

Suggests fostering a sense of responsibility.

encourage responsible behavior

Focuses on incentivizing responsible actions.

foster accountability

Implies cultivating a culture of accountability.

exercise sound judgment

Implies using good judgement.

make sound decisions

Highlights the process of making good choices.

act prudently

Focuses on acting carefully and wisely.

manage responsibly

Implies handling something with care and accountability.

FAQs

How can I use "make responsible" in a sentence?

You can use "make responsible" to assign accountability. For example: "The company decided to "make the department responsible" for improving customer satisfaction."

What can I say instead of "make responsible"?

Alternatives include "act responsibly", "take responsibility", or "ensure accountability", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "make someone responsible" or "make someone be responsible"?

"Make someone responsible" is the more concise and grammatically preferred form. "Make someone be responsible" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "make responsible" and "hold accountable"?

"Make responsible" emphasizes assigning responsibility, while "hold accountable" focuses on ensuring consequences if the responsibility is not met. You "make someone responsible" and then "hold them accountable".