Responsibility vs That's a pretty big commitment

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Responsibility

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun

That's a pretty big commitment

Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Responsibility
 ResponsibilityThat's a pretty big commitment
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt//
MeaningBeing in charge of something you must take care of.It's a significant promise or responsibility.
ExampleTaking care of your pet is a big responsibility.Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationscomplete, full, total, have, accept, acknowledge, fall on somebody, fall to somebody, lie with somebody, responsibility for, responsibility towards/​toward, the age of criminal responsibility, the burden of responsibility, do something on your own responsibility, complete, full, total, have, accept, acknowledge, fall on somebody, fall to somebody, lie with somebody, responsibility for, responsibility towards/​toward, the age of criminal responsibility, the burden of responsibility, do something on your own responsibility, heavy, major, onerous, have, carry out, discharge, responsibility for, responsibility to, responsibility towards/​toward, duties and responsibilities, rights and responsibilitiesmake a commitment, big commitment, long-term commitment, serious commitment, financial commitment
Antonymsirresponsibility, neglect, carelessness-
Common mistakesSaying 'responsibility to' instead of 'responsibility for'., Confusing 'responsibility' with 'responsible'., Using it in singular form incorrectly in plural contexts.Using 'commitment' incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun., Confusing 'commitment' with 'agreement' - a commitment is more personal., Overusing 'pretty' in formal speech.
Usage notesUse in situations where someone has duties or obligations. It fits well in both personal and professional contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.Use in contexts discussing promises or responsibilities, often when emphasizing importance. It’s suitable for casual conversations, but can be used in formal contexts if necessary.

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Responsibility
That's a pretty big commitment

Frequently asked questions: Responsibility vs That's a pretty big commitment

What's the difference between Responsibility and That's a pretty big commitment?

Responsibility: Being in charge of something you must take care of. That's a pretty big commitment: It's a significant promise or responsibility.

Which is more common: Responsibility and That's a pretty big commitment?

Responsibility is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Responsibility: Taking care of your pet is a big responsibility. That's a pretty big commitment: Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment.

Can I use Responsibility and That's a pretty big commitment interchangeably?

Not always. Responsibility and That's a pretty big commitment are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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