can be shouldered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be shouldered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that a responsibility or burden can be taken on or managed by someone. Example: "The challenges of the project can be shouldered by the entire team, ensuring that no one person feels overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It must retain the ability to project force in Asia: to do otherwise would feed Chinese hawks' belief that America is a declining power which can be shouldered aside.

The Economist

It can be controlled, it can be managed, it can be shouldered and perhaps even lightened by the caring of others so you no longer feel like Atlas carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

TechCrunch

The root ball can be shouldered with a machete to get it to fit and then trimmed periodically.

Los Angeles Times

Everybody in this world has problems that can be shouldered by others as well.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I've introduced him to people across the aisle from him politically, consistently, and they always find things that he is saying that they completely agree about, that they can be shoulder to shoulder on," Katz said.

Huffington Post

And how much monthly debt can you be shouldering — credit cards, student loans, auto payments — but still walk away with the mortgage you're seeking?

The Washington Post

What Excite@Home can do is shoulder part of the costs by providing customer service and support, as well as billing and marketing.

Forbes

"I'd like to think there will be a few pretty blondes in there who I can be a shoulder to cry on!" he says.

Independent

When the hotel's lobby bar — the pinnacle of its exclusivity, unnamed, unreservable and open only to hotel guests, according to a spokeswoman — is full, he can be seen shoulder-deep in the crowd, shaking hands, kissing cheeks.

The New York Times

Then the duration of the shoulder upstroke can be expressed as: t shoulder   =   N NJ   ×   t transient           (3 ) where N NJ is the number of L-SR nanojunctions that yield ∆[Ca 2+] shoulder.

F1000Research

Any plastic hanger can be improved with shoulder add-ons that will not harm delicate clothes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be shouldered" when you want to emphasize the idea that a burden or responsibility is being shared among multiple entities, promoting a sense of collective support.

Common error

Avoid using "can be shouldered" excessively in your writing, as too much passive voice can make your prose sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be shouldered" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is capable of being supported or managed by someone or something. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from international relations to personal burdens.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be shouldered" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. According to Ludwig, it typically implies that a burden or responsibility is manageable or supportable, often through collective effort. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, general reference, and scientific domains, as shown by the diverse sources where it appears. When writing, consider alternative expressions to "can be shouldered" to avoid overuse of passive voice, and ensure its usage aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be handled

Replaces "shouldered" with a more general term for managing a task or responsibility.

can be managed

Focuses on the manageability aspect, suggesting that something is within control.

can be supported

Emphasizes the idea of providing assistance or bearing the weight of something.

can be taken on

Emphasizes the willingness to accept a responsibility or challenge.

can be sustained

Highlights the ability to maintain or endure something over time.

can be assumed

Highlights the act of accepting or taking over a role or responsibility.

can be borne

Uses a more formal term to indicate that something can be endured or tolerated.

can be undertaken

Focuses on the ability to initiate and carry out a task or project.

can be addressed

Focuses on dealing with or resolving a problem or issue.

can be confronted

Emphasizes facing a challenge or difficulty directly.

FAQs

How can I use "can be shouldered" in a sentence?

You can use "can be shouldered" to express the idea that a responsibility, burden, or problem can be taken on or managed, often collectively. For example: "The financial burden "can be shouldered" by multiple departments".

What are some alternatives to "can be shouldered"?

Some alternatives include "can be handled", "can be managed", or "can be supported", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can be shouldered" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the sharing of responsibility or support. It suggests that a task or problem is not solely the responsibility of one person or entity and "can be addressed" through collective effort.

Is "can be shouldered" a formal or informal expression?

While generally acceptable in most contexts, "can be shouldered" leans slightly towards the formal side. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. If you aim for a more casual tone, alternatives like "can be taken on" might be more suitable.