wield responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield responsibility" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase often conveys a sense of having control or power over a particular task or duty. Example: As the newly appointed team leader, it is important for you to understand that you now wield responsibility for the success of our project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For so long Murdoch, 75, has been accused of wielding power without responsibility; is he beginning to wield responsibility without power?

The Guardian - Opinion

The imposition of Orwellian editorial "compliance" standards on programmes after the Hutton Inquiry, which criticised the BBC following the Iraq war row, have reinforced a tendency to refer decisions upward, rather than wield responsibility directly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the democratic revolution, especially in France, that created the vision of a political government responsible for all aspects of human society and, most important, possessed the power to wield this responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our "likes" and "shares" are ultimately becoming votes for the kind of future we want to live in, and I'm optimistic that we will ultimately wield that responsibility with meaning and thoughtfully.

TechCrunch

By blaming the UN and in broad terms the "international community" as compared to focusing accountability on the UN's most powerful veto-wielding states, responsibility is deflected.

Huffington Post

The proposals involving Congress are certain to touch off fierce turf wars in the House and Senate, where lawmakers historically protect the power they wield through their responsibility for setting policy and budgets for federal agencies.

The New York Times

But John W. Sutter, president of Community Media, who is straight, added that he wields "ultimate editorial responsibility" as publisher of Gay City News.

The New York Times

There is no limit to the damage a powerful ego can cause, from the arrogant conviction that our own opinions are the only right ones and everyone should be made to agree, to wielding and abusing responsibility and authority at the expense of other people's lives and freedoms.

Huffington Post

On the one hand, in order to be sovereign, one must wield power oneself, take responsibility for its use by oneself, which means that the use of power, if it is to be sovereign, must be silent; the sovereign does not have to give reasons; the sovereign must exercise power in secret.

SEP

Nothing in the long lives that the Beauchamp women have lived was ever easy, but when you wield great power, great responsibility comes hand in hand.

Huffington Post

For Lucas obtaining the power of cutting-edge special effects meant the implied responsibility not to wield them haphazardly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wield responsibility" when you want to emphasize the control and accountability that comes with a position or task. For example, "As a project manager, you wield responsibility for the budget and timeline."

Common error

Avoid using "wield responsibility" when simply indicating that someone possesses a duty. "Have responsibility" is more appropriate for general assignments. Use "wield responsibility" when highlighting the active management and authority tied to the duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield responsibility" functions as a verb phrase where "wield" (verb) acts upon "responsibility" (noun). It indicates the act of exerting control and authority over something for which one is accountable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.3%

Encyclopedias

33.3%

Science

33.3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wield responsibility" signifies actively managing and being accountable for a duty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's less frequent than other similar phrases like "have responsibility". It's most appropriate for contexts where you want to highlight the active control and authority associated with a task, such as in news, encyclopedia entries, and scientific discussions. When used, remember to emphasize the active management and accountability aspect rather than simple possession of a duty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise accountability

Focuses on the action of demonstrating responsibility through one's actions.

manage duties

Highlights the skillful handling of assigned tasks and obligations.

discharge obligations

Emphasizes fulfilling or carrying out required duties or commitments.

administer accountabilities

Focuses on the act of overseeing and managing assigned responsibilities effectively.

shoulder responsibility

Implies bearing the weight of responsibility and dealing with it directly.

discharge responsibilities

Emphasizes completing or fulfilling the responsibilities one has.

bear the onus

Highlights carrying the burden or obligation of responsibility.

take charge responsibly

Suggests leading and managing with accountability and care.

handle responsibly

Highlights the act of managing something with care and accountability.

assume stewardship

Focuses on taking on a caretaker role with responsibility and care.

FAQs

What does "wield responsibility" mean?

To "wield responsibility" means to exercise control or authority with accountability for the outcome. It suggests a proactive role in managing duties and being answerable for the results.

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

You can use "wield responsibility" when describing someone who actively manages their duties and is accountable for them. For instance, "The CEO must "exercise accountability" for the company's financial performance."

Is it better to say "wield responsibility" or "have responsibility"?

"Have responsibility" simply means possessing a duty, while "wield responsibility" implies actively managing and being accountable for that duty. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize active management or mere possession of a duty. If you simply want to express you have duties to do is better to use "have responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "wield responsibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "manage duties", "discharge obligations", or "administer accountabilities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.