retain responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone (or a group) that is still in charge of something. For example: "The manager retains responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

After that process, Raytheon agreed to retain responsibility for four large projects Washington deemed risky.

The New York Times

Mr. Adler will also retain responsibility for The Journal's investigative reporting team.

The New York Times

Nick will remain based in London and will retain responsibility for the European business.

The New York Times

It will also retain responsibility for the state pension and most aspects of universal credit.

The Guardian

National regulators would retain responsibility for about 6,000 smaller banks, but the central bank would have authority to intervene.

The New York Times

Soriano said he might ultimately retain responsibility for both clubs, with a New York City chief executive answerable to him.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Gilberto will retain responsibilities for many of his clients in the consumer and retail sector while sourcing and executing M.&A.

The New York Times

Though ABB eventually sold the company again, it retained responsibility for the liabilities.

The New York Times

For example, the British government retains responsibility for negotiations with Europe.

The Economist

Under this unprecedented power-sharing arrangement, known as "cohabitation," Mitterrand retained responsibility for foreign policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Australia retained responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers, even when they were transferred to another state under bilateral arrangements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delegating tasks, clearly define which responsibilities your team will "retain responsibility for". This avoids confusion and ensures accountability for critical areas.

Common error

Avoid using "retain responsibility for" when you mean to transfer the responsibility to someone else. "Retain" implies keeping the responsibility, while "delegate" means assigning it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain responsibility for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of a duty or obligation. Ludwig provides examples where various entities, from companies to individuals, maintain their existing duties, which is in line with Ludwig AI's correctness assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

23%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain responsibility for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the continuation of duties or obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is already in charge of the task and is maintaining that control, not delegating or assuming it for the first time. Remember, alternatives like "maintain accountability for" or "continue to be in charge of" can offer subtle nuances depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to be in charge of

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct expression of overseeing and managing.

remain accountable for

Similar to "maintain accountability for", but places more emphasis on the state of continuing accountability.

maintain accountability for

Emphasizes the aspect of being held accountable, shifting the focus from simply keeping responsibility to answering for outcomes.

assume ongoing responsibility for

Highlights the act of taking on continuous duties.

uphold responsibility for

Highlights a commitment to fulfilling duties, adding a sense of duty and upholding standards.

keep control over

Focuses on the aspect of maintaining control rather than the broader scope of responsibility.

sustain oversight of

Highlights continuous supervision, changing the focus to the act of overseeing.

hold the reins for

Uses a metaphor to suggest control and direction, implying a leadership position.

preserve authority over

Emphasizes the preservation of power and decision-making capabilities.

bear the burden of

Focuses on the obligation and potential challenges associated with the responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "retain responsibility for" in a sentence?

You can use "retain responsibility for" to indicate that someone or something continues to be in charge of or accountable for a particular task, area, or duty. For instance: "The manager will "continue to oversee" the project, but the team leads will "manage the details"".

What's the difference between "retain responsibility for" and "assume responsibility for"?

"Retain responsibility for" implies that one already has the responsibility and is keeping it. "Assume responsibility for" means to "take on responsibility for" something new.

What are some alternatives to "retain responsibility for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "maintain accountability for", "continue to be in charge of", or "hold the reins for".

When is it appropriate to use "retain responsibility for" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "retain responsibility for" when you want to emphasize that a person, department, or organization is "keeping the obligations" and duties associated with a specific task or function, especially after changes or delegation of other tasks.