sphere of responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sphere of responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the range or area of duties and obligations that a person or organization is accountable for. Example: "As a project manager, my sphere of responsibility includes overseeing the team's performance and ensuring that deadlines are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

You have stated a good many of the matters for which you were not responsible, and I want to make clear just what your sphere of responsibility was.

Yale University

Many have a long-standing relationship with the President, and a particular sphere of responsibility.

The New Yorker

However, participants strongly disagreed about what exactly constitutes the private sector and what its proper sphere of responsibility should be.

The Guardian

"The commissioner is an apologist for the worst offender in his sphere of responsibility, not a policeman of it".

The New York Times - Tech

The civil order has its own sphere of responsibility, and its own proper autonomy, apart from the church or any other religious community.

The New York Times

Adopting a measured tone he suggested: "I would actually say that it is directors and layers of management below who ultimately are responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the services within their sphere of responsibility". But the lead counsel to the inquiry, Neil Garnham QC, was having none of this.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

3. Acknowledge an accurate sphere-of-responsibility, determined by actual social and political impacts, and take steps to mitigate the local harms caused by Tatmadaw forces securing the project.

Huffington Post

One recipe for happy co-chefdom is separate but equal spheres of responsibility.

The New York Times - Food

Yet, paradoxically, they are united in their fervent belief that the only way for Russia and the United States to avoid confrontation in the former-Soviet region is through a Yalta-style "grand bargain": a delimitation of spheres of responsibility and a pledge of mutual noninterference in each other's sphere.

The New York Times

And it would show some long-overdue regard for the band of faithful citizen activists – councillors and others, up and down the country – who have kept faith with their localities in spite of the continual attrition of their spheres of responsibility as government becomes more and more centralised.

The Guardian

I've found that giving people power to make decisions in their spheres of responsibility at work can increase engagement and creativity in ways that few other activities can.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining roles within a team, clearly outline each person's "sphere of responsibility" to minimize overlap and confusion. This ensures that everyone understands their specific duties and accountabilities, contributing to a more efficient workflow.

Common error

Avoid using "sphere of responsibility" interchangeably with "sphere of influence". The former denotes direct accountability for specific tasks or outcomes, while the latter refers to the extent to which one's actions can affect others or a situation. Understand the difference to ensure correct and precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sphere of responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It designates the area or scope within which someone is accountable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sphere of responsibility" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes the range of duties and obligations for which someone is accountable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in defining roles and accountabilities. While alternatives like "area of responsibility" or "scope of duty" exist, the key is to use the phrase that most accurately reflects the context and the intended meaning. Remembering to avoid confusing it with “sphere of influence” helps to maintain clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Area of accountability

Focuses on the aspect of being answerable for specific outcomes or actions, rather than the scope of control.

Scope of duty

Emphasizes the extent of obligations and tasks that one is required to perform.

Domain of responsibility

Highlights the area or field in which someone has specific duties and obligations.

Remit of responsibility

Focuses on the assigned task or area for which someone is held accountable.

Jurisdiction of accountability

Stresses the legal or formal power to take responsibility and make decisions within a specific area.

Capacity of responsibility

Emphasizes the ability and authorization to handle certain responsibilities.

Realm of obligation

Highlights the extent of moral or legal duties that one is bound to fulfill.

Extent of liability

Centers on the degree to which someone is legally responsible for damages or losses.

Ambit of control

Focuses on the range or scope of influence and command one has over certain activities or resources.

Range of duties

Highlights the variety and extent of tasks one is required to perform.

FAQs

How can I use "sphere of responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "sphere of responsibility" to define the specific duties and accountabilities associated with a particular role or position. For example, "As head of marketing, my "sphere of responsibility" includes brand management and campaign development."

What's a good alternative to "sphere of responsibility"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "area of responsibility", "scope of duty", or "domain of responsibility" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "sphere of responsibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "sphere of responsibility" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to define the scope and duties associated with a position or role. Consider if a simpler term like area of responsibility could improve flow.

What does "sphere of responsibility" mean in a project management context?

In project management, "sphere of responsibility" refers to the specific tasks, deliverables, and outcomes that a project manager or team member is directly accountable for. Clearly defining these spheres helps to ensure that all aspects of the project are managed effectively and that everyone understands their roles.