on each shoulder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on each shoulder" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object or balance that is placed on both sides of something. For example: "He placed a bag on each shoulder and walked away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's almost like I have two little guys, one on each shoulder, and one is telling me, "Hey, man, if you want to do some stuff then you'd better get cookin' because you don't have too much time left," and the other one is saying, "Would you please relax!

Forbes

Petersen notes that "raven-shaped ornaments worn as a pair, after the fashion of the day, one on each shoulder, makes one's thoughts turn towards Odin's ravens and the cult of Odin in the Germanic Iron Age".

Wikipedia

He has had to battle back from two rotator-cuff operations, one on each shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

Initiates are lightly branded with the symbol of the discus and the conch shell, one on each shoulder.

The New York Times

Syndergaard introduced me to his parents, who had him flanked, walking through the lobby, one on each shoulder.

The New Yorker

And your grandfather — who was just this little man, barely over five feet tall and maybe a hundred and thirty pounds — he just ran out there and picked up those two guys, one on each shoulder, and carried them to cover.

The New Yorker

Both of mine were quite small, one on each shoulder and only visible if I wore sleeveless shirts or tank tops.

Huffington Post

The reason I was only looking for fun is because I had just come out of an awful relationship + marriage and had 2 demons one on each shoulder weighing me down.

Vice

Instead of one button on each shoulder of the device, there are now two.

TechCrunch

Put one section on each shoulder.

WikiHow

There's two on the tail, three on the body, one on two of the legs, six on each shoulder plate, one on the chest plate and one on the head.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on each shoulder" to clearly indicate that something is present on both the left and right shoulders, ensuring there is no ambiguity about the distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "on each shoulder" when you actually mean something is on a single shoulder. "Each" specifies a separate instance on both sides, while "both" refers to the pair collectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on each shoulder" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to specify location or placement. As shown in Ludwig examples, it indicates the distribution of something—physical objects, markings, or even abstract concepts—across both shoulders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on each shoulder" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote that something is located or distributed symmetrically across both shoulders. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, from news reports and encyclopedic entries to scientific publications. Common usages include describing clothing details, physical burdens, or even metaphorical weights carried by an individual. While alternatives like "on both shoulders" exist, "on each shoulder" offers specific clarity. Whether you're describing a pirate with parrots or the distribution of scientific tumors, understanding this phrase's nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On both shoulders

Replaces "each" with "both", emphasizing the pair rather than the individual sides.

On either shoulder

Uses "either" to indicate one or the other, or both, shoulders are involved.

Upon each shoulder

A more formal or literary alternative using "upon" instead of "on".

Resting on each shoulder

Adds the verb "resting" to emphasize the weight or placement of something.

Positioned on each shoulder

Replaces "on" with "positioned" for a more descriptive and formal tone.

Draped over each shoulder

Implies a covering or hanging action over the shoulders.

Across each shoulder

Suggests a placement that spans the width of the shoulder.

One on the left shoulder and one on the right

Breaks down the phrase for clarity and emphasis on individual sides.

Balanced on each shoulder

Emphasizes the equilibrium or stability of objects placed on the shoulders.

Affixed to each shoulder

Indicates that the items are firmly attached to the shoulders.

FAQs

How can I use "on each shoulder" in a sentence?

You can use "on each shoulder" to describe objects, tattoos, or even metaphorical burdens distributed evenly: "He carried a bag "on each shoulder"", or "She felt the weight of responsibility "on each shoulder"".

What phrases are similar to "on each shoulder"?

Alternatives include "on both shoulders", "on either shoulder", or specifying each side individually: "one on the left and one on the right".

Is it correct to say "on each shoulder" or should I say "on every shoulder"?

"On each shoulder" is the correct and more common phrasing. "On every shoulder" might be used in a very general or hypothetical context, but "on each shoulder" is more precise when referring to a specific individual.

What does it mean to have a chip "on each shoulder"?

The idiom "a chip on one's shoulder" means holding a grudge or resentment. While the search results show examples like "a chip "on each shoulder"", this is less common and likely emphasizes balance or multiple grievances.