take responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take responsibility for" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use the phrase "take responsibility for" to describe the action of being accountable for or accepting the consequences of an action. For example: "John took responsibility for his mistake and offered to make amends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Take responsibility for yourself".

The New York Times

We take responsibility for that".

The New York Times

I take responsibility for them.

The New Yorker

I take responsibility for that.

The New York Times - Sports

"I take responsibility for that," he said.

The New York Times

"I take responsibility for what happened.

The New York Times - Sports

We take responsibility for that team.

Independent

"She has to take responsibility for that".

The New Yorker

You have to take responsibility for that.

Independent

I take responsibility for the game".

The New York Times - Sports

They need to take responsibility for that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take responsibility for", clearly state what you are taking responsibility for to avoid ambiguity. For example, say "take responsibility for the project's failure" instead of just "take responsibility."

Common error

Avoid using "take responsibility for" as a way to deflect blame onto others. It should signify genuine accountability, not a passive-aggressive way to imply someone else's fault.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take responsibility for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the acceptance of accountability or ownership for something. Ludwig AI shows examples where individuals, organizations, or entities acknowledge their part in an event or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take responsibility for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the acceptance of accountability for an action or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. The phrase conveys a sense of ownership and a willingness to be answerable for outcomes. It is important to use the phrase accurately, specifying what one is taking responsibility for and avoiding its misuse as a tool for deflecting blame. Alternatives such as "accept accountability for" or "assume ownership of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible for

It expresses a general sense of duty or obligation to handle certain task or activity.

accept accountability for

This alternative emphasizes the acceptance of being held accountable for actions or decisions, highlighting the aspect of being answerable to someone or something.

take the blame for

This is a direct way of saying someone acknowledges and accepts responsibility for something negative.

assume ownership of

While often used in a business context, this alternative emphasizes the aspect of taking ownership of a task, project, or even a mistake.

answer for

This phrase implies being called upon to explain or justify one's actions, focusing on the obligation to provide an explanation.

be held liable for

This phrase focuses on the legal aspect of responsibility, indicating that someone is legally responsible for damages or losses.

own up to

This phrase is informal and suggests admitting fault or wrongdoing, emphasizing honesty and acceptance of responsibility.

face the consequences of

This highlights the aspect of dealing with the results, often negative, of one's actions, emphasizing the acceptance of the repercussions.

be in charge of

This alternative is used to mean that you are the leader or the boss so everything that happens is under your responsibility.

bear the burden of

This phrase highlights the negative consequences of responsibility, emphasizing the weight or difficulty associated with it.

FAQs

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

You can use "take responsibility for" to indicate acceptance of accountability for an action or decision. For example, "The manager had to "take responsibility for" the team's mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "take responsibility for"?

Alternatives include "accept accountability for", "assume ownership of", or "be held liable for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "take responsibility for" or "be responsible for" something?

"Take responsibility for" implies a conscious decision to accept accountability, while "be responsible for" simply indicates a duty or obligation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize active acceptance or inherent duty.

What does it mean to "take responsibility for your actions"?

To "take responsibility for your actions" means to acknowledge and accept the consequences of your behavior, whether positive or negative, and to be accountable for the impact those actions have on yourself and others.