Shoulder the responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Shoulder the responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of accepting or taking on a duty or obligation, often in a serious context. Example: "As the team leader, I must shoulder the responsibility for the project's success or failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Shoulder the responsibility with the army and the police," he said.

The New York Times

He cannot be expected to shoulder the responsibility alone.

The Guardian - Sport

The Pakistan Cricket Board must shoulder the responsibility for appointing him.

The Guardian - Sport

Both clubs will shoulder the responsibility of hosting the Open via a joint championship committee.

The Guardian - Sport

To finally shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding a country whose decimation we are all complicit in.

The New York Times

Civilians can't shoulder the responsibility for killing, but the social contract demands they care for those who do.

The New York Times

It is all the unions' fault Mr Flynn claims that a LU "needs to shoulder the responsibility" as well.

Independent

Those who shoulder the responsibility for setting these goals may be a mix of sustainability officers, accounting departments and management.

The Guardian

"But I'm very pleased," he said of Mr. Cocola's plans to shoulder the responsibility for the signs.

The New York Times

Mrs. Sulzer tried in vain to shoulder the responsibility for her husband's stock transactions, but Mr. Sulzer and his lawyers refused to permit her to sacrifice herself.

The New York Times

The former Fulham and West Brom boss does not want too much negative attention to be paid on two tight defeats, but admits they will shoulder the responsibility.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about teams or organizations, use "shoulder the responsibility" to suggest that the burden is shared and distributed among members.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder the responsibility" when the context implies that someone is being unfairly burdened with a task or blame that is not rightfully theirs. Instead, clarify who should genuinely be responsible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shoulder the responsibility" is as a verbal phrase. It typically functions as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of accepting and managing a specific duty or obligation. Ludwig examples demonstrate it's used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoulder the responsibility" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the acceptance and management of a significant duty or obligation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It conveys a sense of commitment and accountability, emphasizing the weight and importance of the task at hand. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the responsibility is appropriately attributed and that the context aligns with the serious nature of the obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility

A more general phrase, it simply means to accept responsibility without necessarily implying a heavy burden.

assume responsibility

Similar to "take responsibility", but suggests a more proactive or voluntary acceptance of duty.

be responsible for

States a direct causal connection between the person and the actions.

accept accountability

Focuses on being answerable for the consequences of actions or decisions.

be held accountable

Emphasizes that an individual or group will be judged for their actions.

bear the burden of responsibility

This alternative emphasizes the weight or difficulty associated with the responsibility.

answer for

Highlights the need to justify or explain one's actions or decisions.

take charge

Implies taking control and leadership, often associated with responsibility.

own up to

To acknowledge responsibility for something, usually a mistake or wrongdoing.

carry the can

An informal idiom that means to take the blame or responsibility for something, often something unpleasant.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoulder the responsibility" to indicate accepting a duty or obligation. For example, "The new CEO must "shoulder the responsibility" for improving the company's performance."

What are some alternatives to "shoulder the responsibility"?

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

Is it better to say "take responsibility" or "shoulder the responsibility"?

"Shoulder the responsibility" implies a heavier burden and more significant commitment than simply ""take responsibility"". Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual weight of the obligation.

When is it appropriate to use "shoulder the responsibility" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when emphasizing the gravity or importance of a duty. It suggests a willingness to handle significant obligations. Consider the impact of the sentence when deciding between "shoulder the responsibility" and other alternative.