takes responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing accountability or ownership of a task, action, or outcome. Example: "The manager takes responsibility for the team's performance and ensures that all deadlines are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The coordinator takes responsibility for each referral and provides a guaranteed response by an appropriate specialist.

BMC Health Services Research

She takes responsibility for everything.

The New York Times - Sports

But who takes responsibility for abandoned bikes?

The New York Times

As you know he never takes responsibility for difficult decisions.

The Economist

No one here ever takes responsibility for anything".

Independent

In other words, he takes responsibility for the art.

The New Yorker

"He takes responsibility for it, whatever the outcome is.

The New York Times

"Daniel himself takes responsibility for the decisions at Tottenham".

The Guardian - Sport

SACI takes responsibility for academic collaboration activities across the university.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

MO takes responsibility for the paper as a whole.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

KA takes responsibility for the paper as a whole.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes responsibility for", clearly state the specific action, decision, or outcome for which the person or entity is accountable. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "takes responsibility for" without specifying what exactly is being taken responsibility for. For example, instead of saying "He takes responsibility", clarify with "He takes responsibility for the project's failure to meet its deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes responsibility for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of accepting accountability or ownership. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase clearly indicates the subject's acknowledgment of their role and the subsequent acceptance of any consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes responsibility for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression signifying the acceptance of accountability. As per Ludwig, it is found across various contexts, including science, news, and business, and is considered neutral in register. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly specify the subject of responsibility to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is accountable for" or "assumes responsibility for" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is responsible for

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating duty and obligation.

assumes accountability for

This alternative emphasizes the acceptance of being answerable for outcomes.

is accountable for

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing responsibility.

owns the responsibility for

This alternative emphasizes a sense of personal ownership and commitment.

accepts liability for

This alternative focuses on legal or financial accountability for something.

is liable for

This alternative highlights legal or financial obligation.

bears the onus for

This alternative suggests a burden or obligation to handle something.

shoulders the burden of

This alternative implies accepting a difficult or challenging responsibility.

is in charge of

This alternative indicates control and management over a task or situation.

is to blame for

This alternative suggests accountability for a negative outcome or mistake.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "takes responsibility for" something?

Saying someone "takes responsibility for" something means they "accept accountability for" their actions, decisions, or the outcome of a situation. It indicates they are willing to be held answerable and deal with the consequences.

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

You can use "takes responsibility for" to show that a person or entity is acknowledging their part in something, whether positive or negative. For example, "The CEO takes responsibility for the company's financial performance" or "The author takes responsibility for any errors in the manuscript".

What are some alternatives to saying "takes responsibility for"?

Alternatives to "takes responsibility for" include "is accountable for", "assumes responsibility for", "accepts liability for", or "bears the onus for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "takes responsibility for" or "is responsible for"?

Both "takes responsibility for" and "is responsible for" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Takes responsibility for" often implies a proactive acceptance of accountability, while "is responsible for" can simply indicate a duty or obligation. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.