not my responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"not my responsibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not the speaker's duty or obligation to take care of. It can be used in various contexts, such as work, relationships, or personal matters. Example: "I'm sorry, but cleaning the kitchen is not my responsibility. It's my roommate's turn this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's not my responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

"But that's not my responsibility".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not my responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is not my responsibility.

The Guardian

"This is not my responsibility.

The Guardian

That was not my responsibility.

The Washington Post

"Not my responsibility," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, no, it's not my responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's not my responsibility," he said.

The Guardian

They were, he said, "not my responsibility".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not my responsibility to take disciplinary action".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not my responsibility" to clearly define the boundaries of your role or obligations in a specific situation. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "not my responsibility" as a blanket statement to deflect all requests or tasks. This can create a negative perception and damage your professional reputation. Use it judiciously and when truly appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not my responsibility" serves as a declarative statement, explicitly denying obligation or duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely used expression to define the boundaries of one's role or commitment. It functions to clarify who is not accountable in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not my responsibility" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of obligation or duty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. As evidenced by the examples, this phrase appears frequently in news, media, and everyday conversations. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to use it appropriately to avoid appearing dismissive or uncooperative. Consider alternatives like "not my job" or "beyond my purview" to convey a similar meaning with different nuances. By understanding its context and potential impact, you can use "not my responsibility" effectively in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not my job

Replaces "responsibility" with "job", focusing on assigned tasks.

it's not my duty

Substitutes "responsibility" with "duty", implying a moral or legal obligation.

that falls outside my area of responsibility

Explicitly states the limits of one's responsibilities.

i'm not in charge of that

Highlights the lack of authority over a particular matter.

i'm not accountable for that

Emphasizes a lack of liability or obligation for a particular outcome.

it's beyond my purview

Uses more formal language to indicate something falls outside one's area of authority.

it's not within my remit

Similar to 'purview', but emphasizes the scope of assigned tasks or authority.

it's someone else's problem

Shifts the focus to another unspecified person being responsible.

i'm not the one to ask

Indicates that the speaker is not the correct person to address a specific issue.

it's not my concern

Indicates a lack of interest or involvement in a matter.

FAQs

What does "not my responsibility" mean?

The phrase "not my responsibility" means that something is not within your duties, obligations, or area of control. It indicates that you are not the person who should handle a particular task or issue.

How can I use "not my responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "not my responsibility" in a sentence like this: "I understand your concern, but resolving this issue is "not my responsibility". You should contact the IT department."

What are some alternatives to saying "not my responsibility"?

You can use alternatives like "not my job", "not my duty", or "beyond my purview" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not my responsibility"?

It's appropriate to use "not my responsibility" when a task or issue clearly falls outside your defined role, when you lack the authority to address it, or when it is explicitly assigned to someone else. Avoid using it to evade tasks you are reasonably expected to handle.