difficult to shoulder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to shoulder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a burden or responsibility that is hard to bear or manage. Example: "The sudden loss of her job was a difficult burden to shoulder, especially with a family to support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Others have been more difficult to shoulder.

The Guardian - Travel

But Benn, who fought two epic battles with Eubank Sr in the early 1990s, said the expectations on the young boxer would be difficult to shoulder.

BBC

Furthermore, Jamie Heaslip turned down three kicks at goal in the first half, further evidence that the Leinster number eight, who had a poor game against England, is finding the burden of captaincy difficult to shoulder.

BBC

Racing is an extremely expensive sport and without sponsors it can be very difficult to shoulder the cost alone.

Huffington Post

The sense of responsibility it gave me has been difficult to shoulder, so I don't try to alone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It won't be an easy job for our politicians – and that is why so many shy away from it – but the alternative will be far more difficult for us to shoulder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Furthermore, according to goniometric measurement, it is difficult to distinguish shoulder joint motion from compensatory motion in the trunk and spine.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

"At this very moment, Taiwan faces a difficult situation that requires its leaders to shoulder the burdens without hesitation.

The Guardian

"I admire deeply his ability to shoulder the most vexing and difficult challenges".

The New York Times

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish ally in this difficult time, and are ready to assist the Turkish authorities".

The New York Times

As the death toll rose, President Obama issued a statement of support: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish ally in this difficult time and are ready to assist the Turkish authorities".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to shoulder" to describe responsibilities or burdens that present a significant challenge to manage or endure. This phrase adds a layer of gravity to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to shoulder" for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the weight of responsibility is genuinely substantial and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to shoulder" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (usually a burden, responsibility, or task). It indicates the arduous nature of bearing or managing something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to shoulder" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe responsibilities or burdens that are challenging to bear. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, the phrase appears in reputable news sources and can effectively convey the gravity of a situation. Alternatives like "hard to bear" or "challenging to carry" may be used for variety, but "difficult to shoulder" adds a distinct emphasis on the weight and effort involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to bear

Focuses on the emotional weight of the burden.

challenging to carry

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing or handling the burden.

onerous to undertake

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or responsibility.

burdensome to manage

Stresses the difficulty in controlling or directing the burden.

tough to handle

Indicates the need for strength and resilience in dealing with the burden.

formidable to bear

Emphasizes the intimidating aspect of the responsibility.

heavy to carry

Highlights the substantial impact or weight of the burden.

taxing to undertake

Focuses on the draining or exhausting nature of the task.

strenuous to manage

Stresses the effort required to handle the responsibility.

demanding to undertake

Highlights the high expectations or requirements of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to shoulder" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to shoulder" to describe a challenging responsibility. For example, "The sudden loss of a parent is a "difficult to shoulder" burden for a child."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to shoulder"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to bear", "challenging to carry", or "onerous to undertake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "difficult to shoulder" formal or informal?

"Difficult to shoulder" is generally considered appropriate for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. It's suitable for news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication.

What makes a responsibility "difficult to shoulder"?

A responsibility is "difficult to shoulder" when it presents significant emotional, practical, or logistical challenges, requiring considerable effort and resilience to manage effectively.