How to use Responsible in English and practice exercises with answers

What does Responsible in English mean? How is Responsible used in English? How can you use Responsible in English effectively? Let’s memorize the meaning, structure, usage, and practice exercises on Responsible below to solidify your understanding of this English grammar topic!

I. Definition of Responsible in English

How to pronounce Responsible? Responsible is pronounced /rɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/ and is an adjective in English. How can we define Responsible? Here is the Responsible meaning in English dictionary:

• Used to describe something, for example, a job, where you are able to act and make decisions on your own. For example: Hana is a responsible and dedicated employee.

• To have control and authority over someone or something and the duty to take care of them. For example: As a department head, the manager is primarily responsible to the CEO for the overall performance of the team. 

• Being accountable for one’s own actions, often negative behaviors, or being legally liable. For example: I am responsible for the project delay. 

• To blame someone or something for something bad that happened. For example: John was held responsible for the accident yesterday. 

• Being the cause of something. For example: Staying up late for prolonged periods is responsible for acne-prone skin. 

Other words for Responsible in English:

II. The specific usage of Responsible in English

1. Responsible for + Ving

"Responsible for + Ving" is used to talk about who or what is responsible for a certain action.

S + be responsible for + Ving

Here are some Responsible examples:

• The senior manager is responsible for overseeing the entire project. 

• Everyone is responsible for protecting the environment and earth. 

2. Responsible to sb for sth

Additionally, Responsible can be used with nouns or noun phrases to indicate who is accountable to someone in a hierarchical group/organization.

S + be responsible + to sb (+ for Noun)

Here are some Responsible examples:

• The employees are responsible to their manager for completing their tasks on time.

• The accountant is responsible to the company for managing the finances. 

3. Responsible for doing sth

The structure "Responsible for doing something" indicates that someone is accountable for their actions, often negative.

S + be responsible + for doing sth

Here are some Responsible examples:

• The software engineers are responsible for coding the new product. 

• I am responsible for completing this sales report every Monday. 

4. Responsible for/to sb/sth

A common usage in English is "Responsible for/to sb/sth" to express accountability for someone or something. For example: 

S + be responsible + for/to sb/sth 

Here are some Responsible examples:

• Hana is responsible for sales of the entire project. 

• The teacher is responsible for creating a positive and happy learning environment. 

III. Which prepositions go with Responsible in English?

"Responsible" is commonly used with three main prepositions in English: for, with, and to. For example:

• Responsible goes with For. For example: My team is responsible for the quality of its content products. 

• Responsible goes with With. For example: You need to be more responsible with your health and finance. 

• Responsible goes with To. For example: I am responsible to my life and family. 

IV. Related words/phrases to Responsible in English

Here are some words/phrases related to Responsible that you should remember for use in exercises and tests.

V. Exercises on Responsible in English with detailed answers

To remember how to use Responsible, complete the following exercise:

Fill in the blanks with the phrases "responsible for" or "responsible to" and conjugate the verbs appropriately in the sentences.

1. Hana __________ this leader because he is a secretary.

2. John and Jack __________ locking the bedroom doors.

3. My leaders  __________ writing reports every week.

4. Last night, Jenny was in the building  __________ the accident.

5. Who  __________ making this garbage behind the building?

6. I do not want to learn there because if I did, I  __________ Mrs. Sophia. She is very strict.

7. No one wants to  __________ what happened in the company.

8. My neighbors  __________ all the noises that their sons make.

Answer: 

• 1. is responsible to

• 2. are/were/will be… responsible for

• 3. are/were/will be… responsible for

• 4. were responsible for

• 5. is/was responsible for

• 6. would be responsible to

• 7. be responsible for

• 8. are/were responsible for

The above overview covers the usage, synonyms and exercises with detailed answers of Responsible in English. Do you know the antonym for Responsible? Let’s leave a comment below!