question of responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question of responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to accountability or obligations in various contexts, such as ethics, law, or personal relationships. Example: "The committee is currently debating the question of responsibility regarding the recent policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"With Katrina, there was a question of responsibility, and blame.

The New Yorker

The question of responsibility is a sensitive one.

The New York Times

"It's a question of responsibility, a question of ethics, a question of justice".

Independent

The Chiranuch case illustrated the larger question of responsibility for speech in the digital age.

The New York Times

There is also the question of responsibility for damage caused by the public authority in the performance of its functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He wrote: I honestly don't think it's a question of responsibility now that I think about it, it's more of a question of action.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He believes "questions of responsibility make good drama".

The Guardian

"We were going to grapple with deep questions of responsibility.

The New Yorker

Others may wrestle with complex questions of responsibility, regulation and market failure.

The Economist

Questions of the 'we', the 'us' and 'they', beg questions of responsibility, of distancing, but are honestly confronted.

The Guardian - Books

"C.I.A. takes very seriously questions of responsibility and accountability," Mr. Gimigliano said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question of responsibility", clearly define who is responsible and for what. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and inaction.

Common error

Avoid using "question of responsibility" when the intention is to assign blame without investigation. Responsibility can involve proactive duties, while blame implies fault after an incident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question of responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It introduces a topic of discussion or inquiry related to accountability and obligation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "question of responsibility" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning to introduce discussions about accountability, duties, and obligations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. When writing, it's crucial to define who is responsible and avoid confusing responsibility with blame. Alternatives such as "issue of accountability" or "matter of culpability" may provide more nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. Overall, understanding its function and implications ensures clear and effective communication when discussing accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accountability question

A more concise way of phrasing the original query, retaining the core meaning.

issue of accountability

Focuses on the aspect of being held accountable for actions or decisions.

liability issue

Directly addresses the legal implications of responsibility.

matter of culpability

Emphasizes the degree to which someone is deserving of blame.

concern of obligation

Highlights the duty or commitment one has towards a particular action or outcome.

problem of attribution

Shifts the focus to identifying the cause or origin of an action or event.

area of liability

Specifies the legal responsibility for damages or losses.

scope of duty

Defines the extent of one's responsibilities or obligations.

dilemma of answerability

Points to the challenge of being accountable or providing an explanation for one's actions.

burden of proof

Highlights the obligation to provide evidence to support a claim of responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "question of responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "question of responsibility" to introduce a discussion about who is accountable for a particular situation or outcome. For example, "The board addressed the question of responsibility for the company's financial losses".

What's the difference between "question of responsibility" and "question of accountability"?

While closely related, "question of responsibility" often refers to the initial assignment or understanding of duties, whereas "question of accountability" focuses on how well those duties were fulfilled and the consequences thereof.

What can I say instead of "question of responsibility"?

You can use alternatives like "issue of accountability", "matter of culpability", or "concern of obligation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "question of responsibilities" instead of "question of responsibility"?

While grammatically acceptable, "question of responsibility" is generally preferred when discussing a specific area of accountability. "Question of responsibilities" might be used when referring to a broader range of duties.