bear some responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

'bear some responsibilities' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in a more formal context when referring to a person or entity having a duty to fulfill a certain obligation or task. For example: "We expect the new manager to bear some responsibilities in regards to the oversight of the department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the right of dictating Europe's monetary policy, the profiting more than anybody else from a weak currency and the access to a bigger, wider European market to sell products over a decade – shouldn't that bear some responsibilities or compromise towards the other members?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Again, Mr. Geithner must bear some responsibility.

The New York Times

But families bear some responsibility, too.

The New York Times

"Dog owners bear some responsibility".

The New York Times

"Athletes need to bear some responsibility.

The Guardian - Sport

He argued that blacks bear some responsibility for their plight.

The Economist

Rosenberg says the Lions bear some responsibility: The worst part?

The New York Times

(O.K., they bear some responsibility for that one).

The New York Times

Yet, in a broader sense, Cheney does bear some responsibility.

The New Yorker

"I think they bear some responsibility here," Dr. Dean said.

The New York Times

And certainly, borrowers unable to meet their obligations bear some responsibility for their woes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear some responsibilities", ensure the context clearly defines what specific responsibilities are being referred to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid consistently using phrases like "bear some responsibilities" in contexts that call for simpler language. Substituting with "have some responsibilities" or "take on some duties" can make your writing more accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear some responsibilities" functions as a verb phrase, where "bear" acts as a transitive verb taking "responsibilities" as its object. It indicates that someone or something is tasked with or carries a portion of duties, aligning with Ludwig's indication of correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear some responsibilities" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote having a share of obligations or duties. Ludwig confirms its validity, although the phrase appears to be relatively rare. It is most commonly encountered in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives like "shoulder some responsibilities" or "assume some responsibilities" exist, using "bear some responsibilities" can add a degree of formality to one's writing. When using the phrase, clarity regarding the specific responsibilities is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoulder some responsibilities

Replaces "bear" with "shoulder", implying a more active carrying of duties.

assume some responsibilities

Focuses on taking on responsibilities, rather than inherently possessing them.

take on some responsibilities

Similar to 'assume', but emphasizes the act of accepting responsibilities.

have some responsibilities

A more direct statement of possessing responsibilities, less formal than "bear".

carry some responsibilities

Like "shoulder", suggests actively managing the responsibilities.

be partially responsible

Shifts the focus to the state of being responsible, rather than the action of bearing.

share some responsibility

Highlights the collaborative aspect of responsibility.

be partly accountable

Emphasizes accountability as a component of responsibility.

have a degree of responsibility

More explicitly quantifies the amount of responsibility held.

own some responsibilities

Emphasizes ownership and accountability of the responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "bear some responsibilities" mean?

The phrase "bear some responsibilities" means to have or carry a portion of the duties, obligations, or burdens associated with a particular role, task, or situation.

What can I say instead of "bear some responsibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "shoulder some responsibilities", "take on some responsibilities", or "have some responsibilities" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bear some responsibilities" or "have some responsibilities"?

"Bear some responsibilities" is more formal, while "have some responsibilities" is more common and generally preferred in everyday conversation. The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

In what contexts is "bear some responsibilities" typically used?

The phrase "bear some responsibilities" is often used in formal writing, business communication, and discussions about accountability and obligations. It suggests a degree of duty or burden related to a specific task or role.