power and responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power and responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the relationship between authority and the obligations that come with it, often in moral or ethical discussions. Example: "With great power and responsibility, leaders must make decisions that benefit the greater good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pakistan needs a dispersal of power and responsibility.

The Economist

Attorneys gain extraordinary power and responsibility over the elderly.

The Washington Post

Power and responsibility visibly widened his mind and elevated his character.

The Economist

"Motivated by base racial animus, the defendant allegedly abused this power and responsibility.

The New York Times

It stated, "The balance of power and responsibility in the NHS will fundamentally shift".

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, we're going to give local councils much more power and responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

These should be real legislative committees that have actual power and responsibility for passing serious legislation.

The New York Times

Having access to a capital endowment at the same age gives them social power and responsibility.

The Guardian

Any elected position is a sought-after role, with a lot of power and responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

The whole purpose of a mayoralty is, after all, to personalise power and responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like most Republicans, Mr. Bush is dedicated to giving more power and responsibility to individuals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing leadership or governance, use "power and responsibility" to emphasize the necessary balance between authority and accountability. For example, "Effective leaders understand that with great "power and responsibility" comes the need for ethical decision-making."

Common error

Avoid using "power and responsibility" in contexts where a lighter, less formal tone is needed. For instance, in casual conversation about everyday tasks, phrases like "doing your part" or "taking ownership" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power and responsibility" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject or object in a sentence. It encapsulates the dual concept of possessing authority or influence alongside the obligations and duties that come with it, according to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power and responsibility" is a commonly used noun phrase that underscores the crucial relationship between authority and accountability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business communications. It serves to emphasize ethical considerations and expectations, highlighting that those in positions of influence must be held responsible for their actions. While "power and responsibility" is suitable for formal and neutral settings, it's essential to consider the tone when choosing alternatives in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority and accountability

Focuses more on the aspect of being answerable for the exercise of power.

influence and obligation

Replaces "power" with a softer term "influence" and "responsibility" with "obligation", suggesting a moral imperative.

control and liability

Emphasizes the legal aspects of responsibility and the potential for legal repercussions.

leadership and duty

Links responsibility specifically to a leadership role, highlighting the obligations of leaders.

command and answerability

Highlights the requirement to give an account for actions taken under command.

jurisdiction and obligation

Highlights the legal aspects of power and the binding nature of responsibilities.

prerogative and accountability

Focuses on special rights or privileges linked with the need to justify actions and decisions.

dominion and burden

Suggests that responsibility can be a heavy weight accompanying great power.

authority and burden

Highlights the weight of responsibility which is often felt when someone has authority.

license and duty

Highlights the obligation to exercise one's freedom in ways that serve the common good.

FAQs

How can I use "power and responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "power and responsibility" to emphasize the correlation between the ability to influence and the obligation to act ethically. For example: "The government's new policies grant local councils more "authority and responsibility", but they must use it wisely."

What are some alternatives to "power and responsibility"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "authority and accountability", "influence and obligation", or "leadership and duty".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "power and responsibility"?

The phrase "power and responsibility" is appropriate in contexts discussing ethics, leadership, governance, or any situation where someone has control or influence and a corresponding obligation. It's often used in formal or professional settings.

What is the significance of linking "power" and "responsibility"?

Linking "power" and "responsibility" emphasizes that those in positions of authority have a duty to act ethically and be accountable for their actions. It highlights the importance of using influence wisely and considering the consequences of one's decisions. It promotes a balanced view where power is not just a privilege, but also a burden.