whose responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about ownership or accountability regarding a specific task or duty. Example: "We need to clarify whose responsibility it is to manage the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the management level, there were conflicting responses about whose responsibility it was to monitor patient safety in primary care.

BMJ Open

So whose responsibility is it?

The Guardian - Books

"And whose responsibility is supplying the safety gear?" I ask.

The Guardian

Again, if that wasn't Dimon's responsibility, whose responsibility was it?

The New Yorker

"There isn't a single person whose responsibility it is".

The Guardian

"One was about whose responsibility it was that a rented videotape was now overdue," he said.

The New Yorker

She declined to say whose responsibility it was to give the company the information.

The New York Times

What it comes down to is an issue of moral responsibility, but whose responsibility?

The New York Times

It's fabulous!" More from the big ageing population debate Ageing well: whose responsibility is it?

The Guardian

Those whose responsibility it is to choose the most expert in the art form concerned.

The Guardian - Arts

Q. Whose responsibility is it to advise consumers how to avoid spiking electricity bills this summer?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose responsibility", ensure the context clearly defines the task or area of accountability being discussed. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and inaction.

Common error

Avoid using "whose responsibility" without specifying what the responsibility entails. For instance, instead of "Whose responsibility is it?", specify "Whose responsibility is it to monitor the budget?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose responsibility" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the person or entity accountable for a specific task, duty, or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. The examples show that it is frequently used in questions seeking clarification on roles and obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose responsibility" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about accountability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and accepted. Its frequency across diverse sources—including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business—demonstrates its adaptability. While alternatives like "who is in charge" or "who is accountable" exist, the specific choice depends on the context and desired nuance. When using "whose responsibility", clarity is key to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective assignment of duties. As the examples illustrate, this phrase plays a crucial role in clarifying roles and ensuring accountability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who is responsible

A shorter version of the original phrase.

whose duty is it

Formal and direct, highlighting an obligation.

who is accountable

Highlights the aspect of being answerable for outcomes.

who is in charge

Focuses on immediate authority and direction.

who is tasked with

Highlights the assignment of a specific job or duty.

who is the responsible party

Formal and legalistic, emphasizing identification of the accountable entity.

who is liable

Emphasizes legal or financial responsibility.

who bears the burden

Suggests a weight or difficulty associated with the responsibility.

on whose shoulders does it fall

Figurative language emphasizing the weight of responsibility.

who is to blame

Focuses on fault or culpability.

FAQs

How can I use "whose responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "whose responsibility" to inquire about who is accountable for a specific task or duty. For example, "Whose responsibility is it to update the project timeline?"

What are some alternatives to "whose responsibility"?

Alternatives include "who is in charge", "who is accountable", or "whose duty is it" depending on the context.

Is "whose responsibility" formal or informal?

"Whose responsibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using "who is the responsible party".

What's the difference between "whose responsibility" and "whose fault"?

"Whose responsibility" inquires about accountability for a task, while "whose fault" seeks to assign blame for a mistake or failure. They are not interchangeable.