only responsible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only responsible for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify the limited scope of someone's duties or obligations in a particular context. Example: "As the project manager, I am only responsible for overseeing the budget and timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But I'm only responsible for one.

The New York Times - Sports

"Men more often than not are only responsible for themselves".

The New York Times

'I'm only responsible for my books,' Irving exclaims.

The Guardian - Books

You are only responsible for obtaining the faculty sponsor signature.

University of California, Berkeley

He said, "I am only responsible for the dead," and walked away.

The New Yorker

Currie told the Guardian she was only responsible for the portfolio "for around four months".

The Guardian

The BBC Trust is only responsible for the appointment of the director general.

The Guardian

We are only responsible for the small boats [that took people] from the shore.

The Guardian

However, the BBC is only responsible for transmission of the film in the UK".

The Guardian

According to the New York Times, PBS was only responsible for 10% of its budget.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All that said, be careful and bear in mind that one is only responsible for actions.

Reverse Engineering Code with IDA Pro

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only responsible for", clearly define the boundaries of the responsibility to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "only responsible for" without specifying what exactly someone is responsible for. Being precise prevents misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only responsible for" functions as a limiter, specifying the scope of someone's accountability. It is frequently used to clarify or restrict the extent of a person's or entity's duties, as confirmed by Ludwig and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only responsible for" is a common and grammatically correct way to specify the limitations of someone's duties or obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. While it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic sources, it's crucial to clearly define the scope of responsibility to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "solely accountable for" or "exclusively in charge of" for emphasis. The goal is to precisely communicate the extent of accountability to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely accountable for

Emphasizes individual accountability and lack of shared responsibility.

exclusively in charge of

Highlights the exclusive nature of the responsibility.

merely liable for

Underscores the limited extent of legal or financial liability.

just in control of

Implies a simple management role.

purely answerable for

Stresses the accountability aspect.

specifically liable for

Highlights the explicit nature of the responsibility.

uniquely culpable for

Focuses on being the only one at fault or to blame.

singularly accountable for

Stresses individual accountability without shared duty.

strictly in the purview of

Highlights responsibility as within the scope or influence of.

directly in control of

Focuses on the direct control and handling of a task or item.

FAQs

What does "only responsible for" mean?

The phrase "only responsible for" indicates that someone's duties, obligations, or liabilities are limited to a specific area or task, excluding other concerns.

What can I say instead of "only responsible for"?

You can use alternatives like "solely accountable for", "exclusively in charge of", or "merely liable for" depending on the context.

How do I use "only responsible for" in a sentence?

Use "only responsible for" to clarify the limits of someone's duties. For example: "The project manager is only responsible for the budget and timeline, not the marketing strategy."

Which is correct: "responsible for" or "only responsible for"?

"Responsible for" indicates a general duty. "Only responsible for" specifies a limited duty. The correct choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the limited nature of the responsibility.