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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
complete onus
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "complete onus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has the full responsibility or burden for a particular task or situation. Example: "In this project, the complete onus of ensuring compliance with regulations falls on the project manager."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
It puts the complete onus on the airline and pilot to take safety seriously," he told the Huffington Post.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Even then, when the legalities and administrative exercises are complete, the onus is on the fans to rise again to the challenge of sustaining and then owning their club.
News & Media
However, participants expressed concern over the onus placed on individuals if they wished not to participate.
Science
But the onus is on Clinton, once she completes her "listening tour," to put together an actual policy platform.
News & Media
That puts the onus on the Bank to provide support for the economy once it has completed a comprehensive assessment of the outlook in its quarterly inflation report.
News & Media
"The onus is on him.
News & Media
The onus is on them.
News & Media
The onus is on Europe to respond.
News & Media
The onus shifted, and public policy followed.
News & Media
The onus is on you.
News & Media
The main onus here is on China.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "complete onus" when you want to strongly emphasize that the entire responsibility or burden rests on a specific party. This phrasing is suitable for situations where the responsibility is not shared or diluted.
Common error
Avoid using "complete onus" too frequently, as it can sound repetitive or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "full responsibility" or "entire burden" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "complete onus" functions as a noun phrase that signifies the entirety of a responsibility or burden. As supported by Ludwig, it's used to emphasize where the ultimate accountability lies.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "complete onus" refers to the entirety of a responsibility or burden, and Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While synonymous with "full responsibility" or "entire responsibility", "complete onus" carries a slightly more formal tone. It appears mostly in news and media contexts and it's considered a relatively rare expression. When writing, use it to emphatically assign total responsibility, but avoid overuse to prevent sounding repetitive.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
full responsibility
Replaces "onus" with a more straightforward and commonly used term for responsibility, clarifying the meaning.
entire responsibility
Similar to "full responsibility" but emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the responsibility.
total responsibility
Synonymous to 'entire responsibility' and 'full responsibility'.
sole responsibility
Highlights that only one party is responsible, excluding others.
complete accountability
Shifts focus to the aspect of being held accountable for outcomes.
the whole burden
Replaces responsibility with burden, emphasizing the weight and difficulty involved.
absolute obligation
Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the responsibility.
the entire obligation
Synonymous to 'absolute obligation'.
full liability
Focuses on the legal aspect of responsibility and potential consequences.
the buck stops here
An idiomatic expression that means taking ultimate responsibility.
FAQs
How can I use "complete onus" in a sentence?
You can use "complete onus" to emphasize that the entire responsibility for something rests on a specific person or entity. For example: "The "complete onus" of ensuring project success falls on the project manager."
What are some alternatives to "complete onus"?
Alternatives to "complete onus" include "full responsibility", "entire responsibility", or "sole responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it more appropriate to use "complete onus" or "full onus"?
"Complete onus" and "full onus" are very similar. "Complete onus" emphasizes the entirety of the responsibility, while "full onus" simply indicates that the responsibility is not partial. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.
What does "onus" mean?
"Onus" refers to a duty or responsibility. It implies a burden that someone must carry out. In the context of "complete onus", it suggests that the entire burden of responsibility falls on the specified party.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested