it shoulders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it shoulders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of taking on a burden or responsibility, often metaphorically. Example: "In times of crisis, it shoulders the weight of the community's hopes and fears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That possibly sounds heavier than "Cold Weather" plays out onscreen, and one of the pleasures of this unassuming yet expansive movie is how it shoulders its weighty human subject so lightly.

The New York Times

For all its drama, however, the S's most remarkable trait may be how graciously it shoulders its inferiority….

BBC

And while the Huffington Post shares the benefit of these investments, it shoulders none of the costs.

The New Yorker

It takes nearly a day on these trips, John said later, but you always see it: Shoulders drop their tension.

The New York Times - Travel

In recent years, the real estate industry's reputation has faltered as it shoulders much of the blame for causing the deepest recession in decades.

The New York Times

When it is good, and even when it isn't all that good (the Academy Awards, for example) it shoulders everything else aside.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The memorial is quite nice, but the projected buildings seem to hover over it shoulder-to-shoulder like mean older brothers.

The New Yorker

It's like they took the Pre and gave it shoulder pads.

TechCrunch

Devon had undertaken an aggressive hedging program to ensure it can quickly pay down the debt it shouldered when it acquired Ocean Energy in the prior year.

Forbes

Dye your hair light brown and cut it shoulder-length.

WikiHow

People with long hair could try cutting it shoulder length and getting it straightened.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it shoulders" when you want to emphasize that something is not only bearing a burden, but also taking on a significant responsibility, often in a proactive or supportive way. For instance, "The organization shoulders the responsibility of community development."

Common error

Avoid using "it shoulders" when a more passive verb like "bears" or "carries" would be more accurate. "It shoulders" suggests a deliberate acceptance of responsibility, whereas the others simply imply the presence of a burden.

Linguistic Context

"It shoulders" functions as a verb phrase where "shoulders" is used metaphorically to indicate bearing or taking on a significant burden, responsibility, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it applied to entities like institutions or organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it shoulders" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes taking on a burden or responsibility. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally appropriate and acceptable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral to professional register. The phrase indicates a proactive acceptance of responsibility, rather than simply bearing a load. When considering alternatives, phrases like ""it bears"" or ""it undertakes"" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to consider the proactive nature of the phrase to ensure its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It bears

Expresses a similar idea of carrying or supporting something, often a responsibility or burden. Less emphasis on the proactive 'taking on' aspect.

It carries

Similar to "it bears", emphasizing the act of holding and transporting a load or obligation.

It undertakes

Focuses on the commencement and process of engaging with a task or responsibility.

It assumes

Highlights the act of taking on or accepting a role, responsibility, or condition.

It manages

Implies control and handling of a situation or task, with a focus on efficiency and problem-solving.

It tackles

Suggests a direct and forceful approach to dealing with a challenge or problem.

It confronts

Emphasizes facing a challenge or difficulty head-on, with a sense of determination.

It grapples with

Indicates a struggle or difficulty in dealing with something complex or challenging.

It copes with

Focuses on the ability to manage and overcome difficulties or challenges effectively.

It handles

Suggests the ability to manage and deal with tasks, responsibilities, or situations with competence.

FAQs

How can I use "it shoulders" in a sentence?

You can use "it shoulders" to describe something that takes on a significant responsibility or burden. For example, "The company shoulders the financial risk of the project" or "The government shoulders the responsibility for public safety".

What phrases are similar to "it shoulders"?

Alternatives to "it shoulders" include "it bears", "it carries", or "it undertakes". Each of these has slightly different nuances but conveys a similar sense of responsibility.

Is "it shoulders" formal or informal?

"It shoulders" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news and media or business writing. Its acceptability makes it versatile for diverse communication needs.

What's the difference between "it shoulders" and "it supports"?

While both indicate bearing something, "it shoulders" usually refers to a burden or responsibility, whereas "it supports" suggests providing assistance or reinforcement. "It shoulders the blame" versus "It supports the initiative" exemplifies the difference.