responsible thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "responsible thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action or decision that is considered to be morally or ethically right or sensible. Example: "Choosing to recycle is the responsible thing to do for the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We did the responsible thing.

The Guardian

It's the responsible thing to do.

The New York Times

Not a responsible thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the responsible thing to do.

Independent

"It's also the responsible thing to do".

The New York Times

Isn't that the responsible thing to do?

The New York Times

"That is the responsible thing to do.

The Guardian

It would not be a responsible thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a responsible thing to do as a manufacturer".

The New York Times

"It felt like the responsible thing to do," Dano says.

The Guardian - Film

That is the right and responsible thing to do.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "responsible thing" when you want to emphasize the moral, ethical, or sensible nature of a decision or action. It's particularly effective in contexts where multiple options exist, but one stands out as the most prudent or ethically aligned.

Common error

While "responsible thing" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in extremely informal or casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "right thing" or "best course" might sound more natural. It can occasionally come across as overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "responsible thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes an action or decision that aligns with ethical or practical considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely regarded as correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "responsible thing" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes an action or decision considered ethically correct, sensible, or prudent. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, this phrase is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "right thing to do" or "sensible action" exist, "responsible thing" uniquely emphasizes duty and ethical considerations. When writing, it's advisable to consider context, as overuse in casual conversation may sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right thing to do

Emphasizes the moral correctness of an action.

the correct course of action

Stresses adherence to a standard of correctness.

sensible thing to do

Highlights the practicality and rationality of the action.

the proper thing to do

Highlights adherence to established norms and expectations.

prudent course of action

Stresses careful and wise decision-making.

judicious decision

Implies a decision made with good judgment and careful consideration.

ethical decision

Focuses on the moral principles guiding the choice.

morally sound choice

Emphasizes the moral uprightness of the decision.

appropriate action

Indicates suitability and correctness in a given situation.

dutiful act

Highlights the sense of obligation or duty involved.

FAQs

How can I use "responsible thing" in a sentence?

You can use "responsible thing" to describe an action or decision that is considered ethically correct or sensible. For example, "Paying your taxes is the "responsible thing" to do".

What are some alternatives to saying "responsible thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "right thing to do", "sensible thing to do", or "ethical decision".

Is it always clear what the "responsible thing" is?

No, determining the "responsible thing" can sometimes be subjective and depend on individual values, circumstances, and potential consequences. What one person considers responsible, another might not.

What's the difference between "responsible thing" and "best thing"?

"Responsible thing" typically implies a sense of duty, ethics, or long-term consequences, while "best thing" can be more focused on immediate benefits or personal preference. The "responsible thing" isn't always the "best thing" in terms of immediate gratification.