I shoulder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I shoulder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the act of taking on responsibility or burden for something. Example: "I shoulder the responsibility for the project's success and will ensure that everything is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Exclusion criteria will be: (i) Shoulder surgery within last 6 months, (ii) Reasons to suspect systemic pathology including inflammatory disorders, (iii) Cervical repeated movement testing affects shoulder pain and/or range of movement.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

I shoulder the risk".

The New Yorker

At Carnegie, I shoulder my way through a crowded sidewalk into a sardine-can lobby, looking for my date among the throng so that we may climb an aerobically challenging staircase to seats so closely set that my knees will develop indentations from the back of the chair in front.

The New York Times

I shoulder that gate open and am faced with a wall of dented lockers and, past them, a metal detector.

Vice

I shoulder bounce my way to Jeremy Scott's table on the opposite end as OT Genasis' "Coco" comes on.

Vice

One observation of our results is that none of the 50 children had Grade I shoulder deficit (flail shoulder).

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Your litmus test: could I shoulder-robe this?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, as a result, it's a highly unstable arrangement; when I shoulder-robed my way down to the shops, my coat blew away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feel like I shouldered the loss".

The New York Times - Sports

I shouldered a gun when I was 14.

The New York Times

I shouldered my rucksack and turned to the girls.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I shoulder" when you want to express taking responsibility directly and personally. It conveys a sense of active acceptance of a burden or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "I shoulder" excessively in contexts where more specific verbs like 'manage', 'handle', or 'address' would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I shoulder" functions as a verb phrase where 'shoulder' is used metaphorically to indicate the act of bearing or taking on responsibility. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts of accepting blame or risk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I shoulder" is grammatically correct and used to express the act of taking on responsibility or a burden. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not exceedingly common, with a frequency rating of 'Uncommon', it's found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific articles. When writing, use "I shoulder" to indicate a personal and active acceptance of a task or obligation, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Ludwig examples show it in contexts of accepting responsibility, dealing with risk and physical movements. Alternative phrases include "I bear the responsibility" or "I take on the obligation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I bear the responsibility

Replaces "shoulder" with "bear", emphasizing the act of carrying the weight of responsibility.

I take on the obligation

Substitutes "shoulder" with "take on", highlighting the acceptance of a duty or commitment.

I assume the burden

Replaces "shoulder" with "assume", focusing on accepting a difficult or onerous task.

I carry the weight

Emphasizes the metaphorical weight or pressure being managed.

I handle the matter

Focuses on managing or dealing with a specific issue or situation.

I will be responsible

Shifts the focus to future accountability.

I will manage

Highlights the act of overseeing and controlling something.

I will oversee

Emphasizes the supervisory aspect of the role.

I take charge

Focuses on assuming control and leadership.

I'm in charge

Highlights having the authority to manage something

FAQs

How can I use "I shoulder" in a sentence?

The phrase "I shoulder" is typically used to express that you are taking on a responsibility or burden. For example, "I shoulder the responsibility for the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "I shoulder"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I bear the responsibility", "I take on the obligation", or "I assume the burden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I shoulder" formal or informal?

The phrase "I shoulder" falls in a neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for professional and news contexts, but might sound somewhat dramatic in casual conversation.

When is it better to use "I shoulder" instead of "I'm responsible"?

While both express accountability, "I shoulder" emphasizes actively carrying the burden or weight of the responsibility, whereas "I'm responsible" simply acknowledges the obligation. Use "I shoulder" when you want to highlight your active role in managing the task or problem.