Used and loved by millions
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
he has shouldered
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "he has shouldered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has taken on a responsibility or burden. Example: "He has shouldered the responsibility of leading the project, ensuring that everything runs smoothly."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
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
8 human-written examples
Lincecum is 26, and he has shouldered more than 241 innings since opening day, after working at least 225 in 2008 and 2009.
News & Media
But he hopes a new generation of documentary makers will realise the importance of the era and take on the task he has shouldered.
News & Media
Luck ranks fourth in passing yards this season, and he has shouldered the load for a Colts team that is below average in rushing, stopping the run and stopping the pass.
News & Media
Mr. Sandler has ventured outside his big-baby persona before, notably in "Spanglish" and in "50 First Dates," but this is the first time he has shouldered so much dramatic weight.
News & Media
His only late act of clemency, announced on January 19th, was to commute the jail sentences of two former Border-Patrol agents convicted of shooting a drug-smuggler on the Mexican border.Whether or not Americans heed Mr Obama's call for "a new era of responsibility", he himself has suddenly assumed responsibilities unlike anything he has shouldered before.
News & Media
He has shouldered the responsibility.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
There was no doubt about the final dismissal; Kamran's off-stump went missing after he had shouldered arms.
News & Media
Mr. Burpo, the pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, a farming community in southwest Nebraska, said in an interview that he had shouldered some criticism over it.
News & Media
In August, he has shoulder surgery.
News & Media
He has shoulder-length hair, staring blue eyes, and a candid, impulsive manner.
News & Media
He has shoulder-length black hair and a black ski cap with the Rolling Stones tongue on it.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair "he has shouldered" with impactful nouns like "responsibility", "burden", or "load" for added emphasis.
Common error
Avoid using "he has shouldered" in contexts where a more direct verb like "managed" or "handled" would be clearer and less figurative. Overuse can make your writing sound overwrought.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "he has shouldered" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an individual has taken on a responsibility or burden. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used to highlight someone's acceptance of duty.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "he has shouldered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase to describe someone taking on a significant responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of the phrase. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. Alternative phrases like "he has taken on" or "he has assumed" can be used for variation. When writing, consider whether the specific weight or burden aspect of "shouldering" is truly intended, as a more straightforward verb might sometimes be clearer.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
he has shouldered the burden
Adds emphasis by explicitly mentioning "the burden".
he has taken on
Replaces "shouldered" with a more common verb phrase indicating acceptance.
he has carried
Implies a prolonged and sustained effort in fulfilling a duty.
he has borne
Uses a more formal verb to convey the idea of carrying a responsibility.
he has assumed
Indicates the act of taking responsibility, potentially with a sense of initiative.
he has embraced
Suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance of the task.
he has undertaken
A more formal way of saying he has started or committed to a task.
he has handled
Focuses on the management or dealing with a difficult situation.
he has managed
Highlights successful handling of responsibility or task.
he has tackled
Emphasizes the active and decisive approach to a challenge.
FAQs
What does "he has shouldered" mean?
The phrase "he has shouldered" means that someone has taken on or accepted a responsibility, burden, or difficult task, often implying that it is a significant or weighty one.
What can I say instead of "he has shouldered"?
You can use alternatives like "he has taken on", "he has assumed", or "he has borne" depending on the context.
Is "he has shouldered" formal or informal?
The phrase "he has shouldered" is generally considered to be somewhat formal, but acceptable in neutral contexts, appropriate for news reporting and professional communication. More formal alternatives exist.
How do you use "he has shouldered" in a sentence?
You can use "he has shouldered" to describe someone accepting a weighty responsibility, such as "he has shouldered the burden of leading the team through a difficult period."
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested