prime responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prime responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main or most important duty or obligation that someone has in a particular context. Example: "As the project manager, my prime responsibility is to ensure that the team meets all deadlines and delivers high-quality work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also said that the "prime responsibility rests with the BBC and the editorial management responsible".

The Guardian

I was anti-Soviet and anti-Communist and was appalled by arguments that Soviet repression and the invasion of Hungary were defensive actions in response to Cold War aggression for which the United States bore prime responsibility.

The New Yorker

Because of these factors, and the lack of an energetic response on the part of Pedro II, it has been argued that prime responsibility for the monarchy's overthrow rested with the Emperor himself.

Wikipedia

The state is going to have to have prime responsibility".

The New York Times

Intangible factors, like faulty urban policies and unchecked real-estate speculation, bear the prime responsibility.

The New York Times

The city council has prime responsibility for traffic management in Dublin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the fragile Andes are not to become explosive, local political leaders bear the prime responsibility.

The Economist

Michael Vaughan, as captain, opening batsman and greatest talent, has prime responsibility for setting the tempo.

The Guardian - Sport

The women themselves and the whole of society, must make this a prime responsibility.

The Guardian

But in a democracy, the prime responsibility of a political leader is to the electorate.

The Guardian - Business

"The prime responsibility is with the banks, their senior management and the boards," says Mandelson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing "prime responsibility", ensure it aligns with the authority and resources available to the entity being held accountable. Avoid assigning responsibility without empowerment.

Common error

Avoid assigning "prime responsibility" when multiple parties share equal accountability. If duties are shared, clearly define each party's specific roles rather than assigning a single 'prime' role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prime responsibility" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important duty or obligation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prime responsibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that indicates the most important duty or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, its purpose is to assign accountability and clarify expectations. It is suitable for a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, "prime responsibility" is a versatile phrase for clearly defining roles. Consider alternatives like "main responsibility" or "chief responsibility" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main responsibility

Replaces "prime" with "main", indicating the chief or most important duty.

chief responsibility

Uses "chief" instead of "prime", emphasizing the highest or leading duty.

primary duty

Substitutes "responsibility" with "duty", focusing on the moral or legal obligation.

principal obligation

Replaces both words with synonyms, highlighting the main commitment or requirement.

core responsibility

Emphasizes that the responsibility is central and fundamental.

key responsibility

Highlights the importance of the responsibility.

leading responsibility

Indicates that the responsibility is in the forefront or most important.

foremost responsibility

Stresses that the responsibility comes first in order or importance.

central responsibility

Suggests that the responsibility is at the heart of the matter.

paramount responsibility

Emphasizes that the responsibility is of utmost importance.

FAQs

How can I use "prime responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "prime responsibility" to indicate the main duty or obligation. For example, "The "prime responsibility" of a teacher is to educate students."

What are some alternatives to "prime responsibility"?

Some alternatives include "main responsibility", "chief responsibility", and "primary duty", each emphasizing the main obligation in slightly different ways.

What is the difference between "prime responsibility" and "secondary responsibility"?

"Prime responsibility" refers to the main or most important duty, while "secondary responsibility" refers to a less important or supporting duty. For example, the "prime responsibility" of a firefighter is to save lives; a secondary one is to salvage property.

Is it appropriate to use "prime responsibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "prime responsibility" is suitable for formal writing. It's often found in professional, academic, and news contexts. It's a clear and direct way to assign accountability.