bear the onus

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear the onus" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to accept responsibility or to be burdened with the responsibility for something. Example: In a murder trial, the prosecution bears the onus of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Remember you bear the onus of professionalism.

The Guardian

Less-affluent clients bear the onus of making sure their own homes are secure.

The New York Times

If the talks collapse over that issue, he said, Israel will bear the onus of failure.

The New York Times

Sometimes O'Hara claims those seeking change should bear the onus of proof, but one could be sceptical about that, too.

Independent

Even more concerning is that the clinicians who will eventually bear the onus of understanding may not be specialist providers, like psychiatrists or cardiologists.

Yale University

But if you move in and my live music venue is already there, then you bear the onus of soundproofing your building".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Because throughout the trial the prosecution bears the onus of establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

Furthermore, when samples and data are shared internationally, it becomes unclear who bears the onus to maintain the security of the integrated databases and storage of specimens.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

That way, the vice president, who is not a member of the governing party, and not Mr. da Silva, would have to bear the political onus of making so unpopular a decision.

The New York Times

I think he was less judgmental about events and people so that his readers would have to bear this onus themselves.

The New Yorker

Of course, the other side of the "two cultures" chasm should bear some of the onus for this lack of communication between politicians and scientists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear the onus" when you want to emphasize that someone has a significant responsibility or burden to fulfill. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing and when discussing legal or ethical obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the onus" when the responsibility is shared or unclear. Ensure the subject truly has the primary obligation, as misattributing responsibility can weaken your argument or create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the onus" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that the subject carries a specific burden or responsibility. It highlights who is accountable for a particular task, proof, or outcome, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear the onus" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to indicate that someone has a significant responsibility or burden. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is effective in formal contexts and when discussing legal or ethical obligations. While it's important to accurately attribute responsibility when using this phrase, it remains a valuable tool for clearly defining accountability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, but is also used in academic and scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "shoulder the responsibility" or "take on the burden" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible for

A more general term for having a duty or obligation.

shoulder the responsibility

Focuses on actively taking on responsibility, rather than passively bearing it.

take responsibility

Focuses on actively acknowledging and accepting accountability.

take on the burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty associated with the responsibility.

be burdened with

Highlights the oppressive or difficult nature of the responsibility.

assume the obligation

Highlights the binding nature of the responsibility, suggesting a formal or legal duty.

be held accountable

Shifts the focus to being answerable for actions or outcomes.

own the outcome

Emphasizes acceptance and accountability for results, whether positive or negative.

carry the can

An informal idiom for accepting blame or responsibility, often when it's unwelcome.

face the consequences

Focuses on enduring the results of an action or decision, implying a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "bear the onus" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the onus" to indicate that someone has the responsibility or burden of proof or action. For example, "In a murder trial, the prosecution "bears the onus" of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt".

What does "bear the onus" mean?

"Bear the onus" means to carry the burden or responsibility for something. It often implies a duty to prove something or take action.

What are some synonyms for "bear the onus"?

Synonyms include "shoulder the responsibility", "take on the burden", or "assume the obligation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "bears the onus" instead of "bear the onus"?

Yes, "bears the onus" is grammatically correct when used with a singular subject (e.g., "He bears the onus"). "Bear the onus" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They bear the onus").