Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
retained responsibility for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "retained responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing accountability or duties that have been kept or maintained over a period of time. Example: "After the restructuring, the manager retained responsibility for overseeing the project until its completion."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
20 human-written examples
Though ABB eventually sold the company again, it retained responsibility for the liabilities.
News & Media
Under this unprecedented power-sharing arrangement, known as "cohabitation," Mitterrand retained responsibility for foreign policy.
Encyclopedias
Australia retained responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers, even when they were transferred to another state under bilateral arrangements.
News & Media
ABB retained responsibility for Combustion Engineering's asbestos exposure after it sold the company to Alstom, the French engineering group, in 1999.
News & Media
Since 1970 the nine-member local boards have managed elementary and intermediate schools, while the central board retained responsibility for high schools.
News & Media
As an associated state, Antigua was fully self-governing in all internal affairs, while the United Kingdom retained responsibility for external affairs and defense.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
40 human-written examples
The advertiser retains responsibility for content.
Science & Research
After that process, Raytheon agreed to retain responsibility for four large projects Washington deemed risky.
News & Media
Mr. Adler will also retain responsibility for The Journal's investigative reporting team.
News & Media
Nick will remain based in London and will retain responsibility for the European business.
News & Media
It will also retain responsibility for the state pension and most aspects of universal credit.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "retained responsibility for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the responsibility entails and why it was maintained. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid assuming the reader knows the specific duties implied by "retained responsibility for". Always clarify the nature and extent of the responsibility to prevent misinterpretations.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "retained responsibility for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of a duty or obligation. It emphasizes that a previously held responsibility was not relinquished. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts like business, politics, and general governance.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Encyclopedias
20%
Science
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Wiki
10%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "retained responsibility for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the continuation of a duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It is most frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While alternatives like "maintained responsibility for" or "continued to be responsible for" exist, "retained responsibility for" specifically emphasizes that a previously held responsibility was not relinquished. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of the responsibility to avoid ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
continued to be responsible for
Directly states the uninterrupted nature of the responsibility.
maintained responsibility for
Focuses on the act of keeping or upholding responsibility.
remained accountable for
Highlights the state of being answerable for something.
kept responsibility for
Emphasizes the act of not relinquishing the assigned duties.
still had responsibility for
Indicates the persistence of a prior responsibility.
held onto responsibility for
Suggests a stronger effort to keep or maintain responsibility.
carried on with responsibility for
Suggests the continuation of a task or duty.
preserved responsibility for
Highlights the act of protecting or safeguarding responsibility.
was still in charge of
Indicates that a person or entity continued to be in control.
oversaw
Emphasizes supervision and management as part of the responsibility.
FAQs
How can I use "retained responsibility for" in a sentence?
Use "retained responsibility for" to indicate that someone or something continued to be accountable for a particular task or duty. For example, "The company "retained responsibility for" the maintenance of the equipment".
What can I say instead of "retained responsibility for"?
You can use alternatives like "maintained responsibility for", "kept responsibility for", or "continued to be responsible for". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.
Which is correct, "retained responsibility for" or "maintain responsibility for"?
"Retained responsibility for" indicates a past action of keeping responsibility, while "maintain responsibility for" suggests an ongoing or future action. Both are correct, but their use depends on the intended tense and context.
What's the difference between "retained responsibility for" and "assumed responsibility for"?
"Retained responsibility for" implies that someone already had the responsibility and continued to have it, while "assumed responsibility for" means that someone took on a new responsibility.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested