Shoulder the burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Shoulder the burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing taking on responsibility or dealing with difficulties, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In times of crisis, it is important for leaders to shoulder the burden and guide their teams through challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

America should not shoulder the burden alone.

The Economist

The question is who is best to shoulder the burden".

The Guardian

It means requiring everyone to shoulder the burden.

The New York Times

With notable exceptions, recent voting behaviour does not lend confidence they will shoulder the burden effectively".

The Guardian - Business

It is not enough simply to say that the taxpayer must shoulder the burden.

The Guardian

But Little Nell, being fiction, could shoulder the burden of allegory; Bridgman, being fact, could not.

The New York Times - Books

Most likely, the government will be left to shoulder the burden.

The Guardian

But it is far from clear whether the banks can shoulder the burden.

The New York Times

But Rome is determined that it should not continue to shoulder the burden alone.

The Guardian

"I wanted someone else to step in and shoulder the burden".

The Guardian

In baseball, the players do not shoulder the burden of the tax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Shoulder the burden" when you want to convey the idea of someone willingly or unwillingly accepting a difficult responsibility or task.

Common error

Avoid using "Shoulder the burden" when referring to minor inconveniences or tasks that are not genuinely challenging or demanding. The phrase implies a significant responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic verb phrase "shoulder the burden" functions as a descriptor of action, indicating the acceptance or assumption of a heavy responsibility or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts, from political responsibility to personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Shoulder the burden" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to describe the acceptance of a difficult responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and well-established. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives like "bear the responsibility" and "carry the weight" exist, "Shoulder the burden" effectively conveys the sense of willingly or unwillingly accepting a significant task or duty. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding trivial situations, to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Carry the weight

Focuses on the difficulty and heaviness of the task.

Bear the responsibility

More formal and direct, implying a clear obligation.

Take responsibility for

Emphasizes acknowledging and accepting accountability.

Embrace the responsibility

Implies willingly accepting and adopting responsibility.

Assume the obligation

Highlights the formal or legal aspect of a duty.

Take on the onus

Emphasizes the burden or unpleasantness of the duty.

Face the challenge

Emphasizes the confrontational or demanding aspect of a task.

Handle the task

A more general way of saying to deal with a task, without necessarily implying burden.

Tackle the problem

Focuses on addressing and resolving an issue or difficulty.

Undergo the hardship

Highlights the suffering that may be involved in taking on a task.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shoulder the burden"?

To "shoulder the burden" means to accept responsibility for a difficult task or problem. It implies taking on a significant obligation that may be challenging or unpleasant.

How can I use "Shoulder the burden" in a sentence?

You can use "Shoulder the burden" to describe someone who is accepting responsibility for something difficult. For example: "The team leader had to "shoulder the burden" of the project's failure."

What are some alternatives to "Shoulder the burden"?

You can use alternatives like "bear the responsibility", "take responsibility for", or "carry the weight" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Shoulder the burden" in formal writing?

Yes, "Shoulder the burden" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing serious responsibilities or obligations. It is a well-understood idiom that adds a touch of emphasis to the concept of accepting responsibility.