'Responsible to Do' or 'Responsible for Doing'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

Responsible to Do or Responsible for Doing: Which One Is Correct?

The adjective responsible is not followed by an infinitive (to + base verb). Instead, we use the pattern responsible for doing something. This pattern is often used to convey the idea that someone has the duty to manage or handle a task:

✅ Louise is responsible for organising the annual conference.
❌ Louise is responsible to organise the annual conference.

✅ The committee is responsible for reviewing all applications.
❌ The committee is responsible to review all applications.

✅ I'm responsible for updating the software regularly.
❌ I'm responsible to update the software regularly.

✅ Mr Lee is responsible for grading the assignments.
❌ Mr Lee is responsible to grade the assignments.

✅ The chef is responsible for creating the menu.
❌ The chef is responsible to create the menu.

The entry for the adjective responsible (sense 1) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

Queensland police are responsible for enforcing the legislation and can issue on-the-spot fines. —The Guardian (2016)

Shandro says the province is responsible for ensuring people receive effective police services and Edmonton residents are not getting that. —Toronto Star (2022)

Those of us who do believe, do not hold God responsible for taking us too soon or too late, but are happy that God is there to welcome us home. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2015)

Who's responsible for fixing a mold problem in a rental? —The Washington Post (2024)