singular responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "singular responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a specific individual or entity has the sole responsibility for a task or obligation. Example: "In this project, the manager has a singular responsibility to ensure that all deadlines are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Sageman cautioned about placing too much singular responsibility on leaders like Mr. Awlaki.

The New York Times

Our sole mission is to support Harvard University, and our investment strategy will always reflect that singular responsibility.

Harvard University

Considering their position as leaders on peace and security issues within the UN, the Permanent Five members of the Security Council (the US, Russia, France, China, and the UK) have a singular responsibility to implement the WPS agenda and set a precedent.

Columbia University

It has a singular responsibility to provide the best quality global news coverage to people in the UK and audiences who sorely need it around the world.

BBC

They're self-contained, not necessarily built for reuse and have the singular responsibility to deliver the exact functionality they are designed for.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But in recent White House movies, as well as in the television series "The West Wing," the chief executive is hardly a lonely, Gary Cooperish man of principle, brooding over his singular responsibilities.

The New York Times

We also each exercise singular international responsibilities, stemming from our history, defence capabilities and status as permanent members of the UN security council.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Sunday Times acted in numerous respects "with a singular lack of responsibility both at the journalistic and the editorial level", said counsel.

The Guardian

Since he believed his singular success carried inherent responsibilities, Ashe, during his decadelong professional tennis career and beyond it, dedicated himself to dismantling the barriers of poverty, privilege, racism and social stereotyping.

Huffington Post

Thus the popular image of Watson's scientific partner: a brash and boastful figure who shared responsibility for a singular breakthrough.

The New York Times - Books

As Fletcher graduates, your opportunity, and your responsibility, is truly singular as you head out into the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "singular responsibility" to clearly and emphatically assign accountability to one specific person or entity, particularly when clarifying roles or duties.

Common error

Avoid using "singular responsibility" when the responsibility is shared or not genuinely unique. Instead, opt for alternatives like "primary responsibility" or "shared responsibility" if the obligation is distributed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "singular responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It denotes the state of being solely accountable for something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "singular responsibility" denotes a unique obligation or accountability held by an individual or entity. Grammatically sound and usable, as per Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news media and academic settings. Alternatives include "sole responsibility" and "exclusive responsibility". While clear in its meaning, it's crucial to ensure that the responsibility truly is unique before using the phrase to avoid misrepresentation. Use this phrase to clearly assign accountability, and be mindful of overstating uniqueness when shared duties exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole responsibility

This alternative emphasizes the exclusiveness of the responsibility, highlighting that only one entity is accountable.

exclusive responsibility

Similar to "sole responsibility", this option stresses that the responsibility is not shared.

unique responsibility

This phrase emphasizes the distinctiveness of the obligation, suggesting it's unlike any other.

individual responsibility

Highlights the personal nature of the duty, placing the onus on a single person.

personal accountability

Focuses on the individual's liability and answerability for outcomes.

primary responsibility

Indicates the main or most important responsibility, although it doesn't necessarily exclude shared duties.

chief responsibility

Similar to "primary responsibility", but suggests a leadership role in the obligation.

ultimate responsibility

This implies that while others may contribute, the final accountability rests with one party.

main obligation

A simpler way of expressing the key duty or requirement.

distinct obligation

Highlights that the duty is set apart from other duties.

FAQs

How can I use "singular responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "singular responsibility" to emphasize that a specific individual or entity has the sole responsibility for a task. For example: "The project manager has a "singular responsibility" to ensure the project is completed on time."

What is an alternative to "singular responsibility"?

Alternatives to "singular responsibility" include "sole responsibility", "exclusive responsibility", or "unique responsibility" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "singular responsibility" instead of "shared responsibility"?

Use "singular responsibility" when one person or group has the only responsibility. Use "shared responsibility" when multiple parties share accountability for an outcome.

What does it mean to have a "singular responsibility"?

Having a "singular responsibility" means you are the only one accountable for a specific task or outcome. No one else shares that duty.