responsible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "responsible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate accountability or obligation to a person or entity. Example: "As the project manager, I am responsible to the stakeholders for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm responsible to them.

The New Yorker

I'm responsible to my voters.

The New York Times

"I feel responsible to the IFS.

The Guardian

"Guilds were always responsible to people first".

The New Yorker

"We are responsible to our shareholders".

The New York Times

We are all responsible to the people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Are we responsible to share that cost?

The New York Times - Magazine

You are responsible to the people".

The New York Times - Magazine

But the coalition isn't responsible to anyone.

The New Yorker

Were we responsible to the law?

The New York Times - Magazine

You are now responsible to have a backup plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "responsible to", clearly define who or what the responsibility is directed towards to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether someone is "responsible to" their team, their manager, or a set of standards.

Common error

Avoid using "responsible to" when the intention is to assign blame. "Responsible to" implies a duty or obligation, not necessarily fault. Instead of saying "He is responsible to the accident", say "He is responsible for the accident" or "He is to blame for the accident."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "responsible to" functions primarily as an adjective phrase indicating a state of being accountable or obligated to someone or something. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase specifies the entity to which one must answer or fulfill duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "responsible to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that signifies accountability or obligation towards a person, group, or entity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s correct and frequently found in diverse sources, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. Understanding that "responsible to" clarifies who or what one is answerable to is essential for precise communication. Remember that alternatives like "accountable to" or "answerable to" can offer nuanced options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accountable to

This alternative emphasizes the need to justify actions or decisions to someone.

answerable to

Similar to 'accountable to', this phrase stresses the obligation to provide explanations.

obligated to

This phrase highlights a moral or legal duty to someone or something.

liable to

Indicates legal or financial responsibility for something.

under the jurisdiction of

Suggests being subject to the authority or control of a specific entity.

subordinate to

Implies a hierarchical relationship where one is under the authority of another.

beholden to

This alternative conveys a sense of indebtedness or obligation for favors received.

chargeable to

Focuses on the allocation of responsibility or costs to a specific entity.

at the command of

Suggests that the alternative must act on the orders of someone.

owing allegiance to

Conveys a sense of loyalty and duty to a person or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "responsible to" to show accountability or obligation towards a person or entity. For instance, "The manager is "responsible to" the CEO for the project's success."

What's the difference between "responsible to" and "responsible for"?

"Responsible to" indicates accountability to a person or entity, while "responsible for" means being the cause or having control over something. For example, "She is "responsible to" her supervisor", but "She is "responsible for" the budget."

What are some alternatives to "responsible to"?

Alternatives include "accountable to", "answerable to", or "obligated to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "responsible to"?

It's appropriate in contexts where outlining a clear chain of command or reporting structure is needed. For instance, describing who an employee reports to within a company or who a government agency answers to.