solely responsible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'solely responsible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where one person or entity is entirely responsible for a certain event or situation. Example sentence: The manager was solely responsible for ensuring the team met their deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are solely responsible for the error".

Independent

He is not solely responsible.

The Washington Post

And you won't be solely responsible anymore.

The New York Times

Clearly, language is not solely responsible.

The Guardian

For any shortcomings, I am solely responsible.

Yale University

It was solely responsible  for managing the rebuild.

The Guardian

"I am solely responsible for this crime," he said.

The Guardian

The accreditation council is not solely responsible for such changes.

The New York Times

Greece is not solely responsible for this outcome.

The Guardian

Recruitment agencies are not solely responsible for these practices.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chancellor is solely responsible for appointments to the MPC".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solely responsible", ensure the context clearly defines the specific area or task for which the responsibility applies.

Common error

Avoid using "solely responsible" when multiple factors contribute to an outcome. It's more accurate to acknowledge shared responsibility if applicable. For example, instead of saying 'The manager was "solely responsible" for the project's failure', consider 'The manager, along with other team members, contributed to the project's failure'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely responsible" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the exclusive nature of responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and readily usable expression. Examples from Ludwig show its application in assigning accountability for outcomes or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solely responsible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize that an individual or entity bears the entire burden of accountability. According to Ludwig AI, it is applicable in various contexts. It’s most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of responsibility. Avoid overstating responsibility when multiple factors are involved; acknowledging shared responsibility may be more accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully accountable

Focuses on the obligation to answer for one's actions.

entirely liable

Emphasizes the legal or financial aspect of responsibility.

completely answerable

Stresses the need to provide justifications for one's actions or decisions.

personally liable

Highlights individual accountability.

exclusively to blame

Focuses on culpability and fault.

independently accountable

Highlights the autonomous nature of accountability.

ultimately responsible

Emphasizes the final level of responsibility in a hierarchy.

singularly accountable

Indicates accountability without shared responsibility.

directly accountable

Emphasizes the direct line of responsibility.

individually liable

Highlights that the liability is not shared with others.

FAQs

How do I use "solely responsible" in a sentence?

Use "solely responsible" to emphasize that a single entity or person is completely accountable for something. For example: "The CEO is "solely responsible" for the company's financial performance".

What are some alternatives to "solely responsible"?

You can use alternatives like "fully accountable", "entirely liable", or "completely answerable" depending on the context. For instance, saying someone is "fully accountable" implies they must answer for their actions.

When is it appropriate to use "solely responsible"?

It is appropriate when one individual or entity has the exclusive obligation and authority over a particular matter. Avoid using it if the responsibility is shared or influenced by external factors.

What's the difference between "solely responsible" and "partially responsible"?

"Solely responsible" means bearing all accountability, while "partially responsible" implies shared accountability with others. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the distribution of responsibility in a given situation.