to be held accountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be held accountable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responsibility or the obligation to explain one's actions or decisions. Example: "In a democratic society, leaders must be held accountable for their decisions and actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone had to be held accountable.

The Economist

Gene wants Berman to be held accountable.

The New Yorker

"He wanted to be held accountable.

The New York Times - Sports

And she had to be "held accountable".

The New Yorker

"Susan Rice needs to be held accountable".

The New York Times

They deserve to be held accountable.

The New York Times

"They need to be held accountable".

The New York Times - Sports

Is no one to be held accountable?

The New York Times

Those people have to be held accountable".

The New York Times

Teachers ought to be held accountable.

The New Yorker

Someone has to be held accountable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be held accountable", ensure the context clearly defines who is holding the person or entity accountable and for what specific actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "to be held accountable" without specifying the responsible party or the criteria for accountability. Vague statements can lead to confusion and undermine the purpose of holding someone accountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be held accountable" functions as a passive infinitive indicating the state of being responsible or answerable for one's actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use across different contexts, such as news reports and opinion pieces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be held accountable" is a very common and grammatically correct expression that signifies the obligation to justify one's actions and face potential consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in formal and business settings. The phrase emphasizes responsibility and the expectation of facing repercussions for failures or wrongdoings. When employing this phrase, it’s essential to clearly define who is holding whom accountable and for what specific actions. Alternatives like "to be responsible for" or "to be answerable for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be responsible for

This is a general synonym indicating a duty or obligation.

to be answerable for

This alternative emphasizes the obligation to explain one's actions.

to bear the responsibility

This alternative highlights the burden of accountability.

to be called to account

This alternative implies a formal process of demanding an explanation.

to be liable for

This alternative suggests legal or financial responsibility.

to be brought to justice

This alternative emphasizes the legal aspect of accountability, often in cases of wrongdoing.

to face consequences

This alternative focuses on the result of actions rather than the process of accountability.

to be penalized for

This alternative focuses on the punishment aspect of accountability.

to be sanctioned for

This alternative implies an official penalty or restriction.

to be censured for

This alternative suggests formal disapproval or criticism.

FAQs

What does it mean to "to be held accountable"?

To "to be held accountable" means to be responsible for your actions and expected to explain or justify them. It implies that there will be consequences for failing to meet expectations or for wrongdoing.

How can I use "to be held accountable" in a sentence?

You can use "to be held accountable" in a sentence like this: "The company's executives need "to be held responsible" for the financial losses."

Which is correct, "to be held accountable" or "to be hold accountable"?

"To be held accountable" is the correct phrasing. "To be hold accountable" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "to be held accountable"?

Alternatives to "to be held accountable" include "to be answerable for", "to be liable for", or "to be responsible for" depending on the context.