we have a responsibility to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have a responsibility to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing obligations or duties that individuals or groups are expected to fulfill. Example: "As citizens, we have a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

C.G.: We have a responsibility to be responsible stewards of tax dollars.

Science Magazine

Responsible We have a responsibility to future generations to protect the environment.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

"We have a responsibility to conduct them.

The New York Times

We have a responsibility to change that.

Princeton University

"We have a responsibility to respond.

The Guardian

We have a responsibility to act".

The Guardian

We have a responsibility to our consumers.

The New York Times

"I think we have a responsibility to ratchet that up.

BBC

We have a responsibility to act, and thankfully we have.

The New York Times

We have a responsibility to participate in our care.

The New York Times

We have a responsibility to show a better, smarter option".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have a responsibility to", clearly define who "we" refers to and what specific actions that responsibility entails.

Common error

Avoid using "we have a responsibility to" without specifying the exact nature of the responsibility or the intended beneficiaries. Be precise about what you are obligated to do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have a responsibility to" functions as a declarative statement expressing an obligation or duty towards a person, group, or cause. Ludwig shows its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have a responsibility to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sense of duty or obligation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the responsible party and the nature of the responsibility are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "we are obligated to" or "it is our duty to" exist, they may carry slightly different connotations. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys a commitment to act responsibly towards a specific person, group, or cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we must

This conveys a strong sense of necessity.

we need to

This indicates a necessity or requirement.

we are obligated to

This alternative uses "obligated" instead of "have a responsibility", suggesting a stronger sense of duty.

we should

This suggests a recommendation or moral obligation.

it is our duty to

This phrase uses "duty" to convey a moral or legal imperative.

we are bound to

This suggests a formal commitment or legal constraint.

we are accountable to

This emphasizes being answerable for our actions to someone or something.

we are compelled to

This indicates that there is an external force urging the action.

we are tasked with

This suggests a specific assignment or mission.

it is incumbent upon us to

This is a more formal way of expressing a duty or obligation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we have a responsibility to"?

You can use alternatives like "we are obligated to", "it is our duty to", or "we must" depending on the context.

What does it mean to say "we have a responsibility to" something?

It means that a group or individual is obligated, either morally, ethically, or legally, to take care of or act in a certain way towards something or someone.

Is "we have a responsibility to" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "we have a responsibility to" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to academic papers.

What's the difference between "we have a responsibility to" and "we should"?

"We have a responsibility to" implies a stronger obligation than "we should". "We should" suggests a recommendation, while "we have a responsibility to" suggests a duty.