onus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "onus" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "a moral or legal obligation or burden of responsibility" and is typically used in a figurative sense. For example: "The onus is on the company to show their commitment to reducing their environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He told delegates he had taken a "big risk" last July when he proposed the changes, and said that the onus was now on the Conservatives to match his reforming instincts and end their reliance on big individual donors.

The Guardian

But he stressed that there was a greater onus on banks and also bankers to take responsibility.

The Guardian - Business

The onus then remains with the audience when reality bites.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But Cerf said it is not one group's onus to protect the internet.

The Guardian

This is a fiscally neutral budget, with the onus still on monetary policy to provide cyclical stimulus and support growth.

The Guardian

Osborne has put the onus on Labour to show it can close the gap when it comes to the public view on economic competence – on who the public wants to trust with the economy after 8 May.

The Guardian

Bubb's recommendations place the onus on NHS England, central and local government to act on proposals such as a rights charter for people with learning disabilities and their families – clarifying existing rights and offering support to access these.

The Guardian

An Oxford student, Jack May, has started an online petition to remove the poster, branding it "a blatant and appalling case of victim-blaming by our own government, putting the onus on the victim rather than the perpetrator".

The Guardian

Alex Henderson, a tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the allowance puts the compliance onus on to taxpayers: "If you become a higher-rate taxpayer, it's your responsibility to pay the additional tax due, and this has become more complicated.

The Guardian - Money

Having batted on to cross 500 (and secure his own double century) Ed Joyce put the onus on his bowlers to take twenty wickets in five sessions or so.

The Guardian - Sport

For all of Greece to become a land of slaves?" Tsipras has said he will call a referendum – and put the onus on the Greek people – if his coalition is forced to sign a deal that runs counter to his mandate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "onus", be sure to clearly identify who bears the "onus" and what they are responsible for. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing the "onus" on individuals who lack the authority or resources to meet the obligation. Ensure that the responsibility aligns with the person or entity's capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "onus" is as a noun, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a burden, responsibility, or obligation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "onus" is a noun that signifies a burden, responsibility, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to clearly define who carries the "onus" to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives such as "responsibility" or "obligation" exist, "onus" adds a layer of formality and emphasis on the burden itself. Avoid misattributing the "onus" to those without the means to fulfill it. Thus, a correct use of "onus" will improve the quality and effectiveness of your writting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility

A broader term indicating a duty or task.

obligation

Highlights a moral or legal duty to do something.

burden of proof

Focuses specifically on the legal requirement to prove something.

duty

Similar to obligation, but can also imply a sense of moral commitment.

accountability

Emphasizes being answerable for one's actions or decisions.

liability

Focuses on legal responsibility for damages or debts.

incumbent upon

A more formal way of saying someone has a duty to do something.

charge

Implies entrusting someone with a specific responsibility or duty.

task

Refers to a specific piece of work that needs to be done.

imperative

Highlights something that is crucial or necessary.

FAQs

How to use "onus" in a sentence?

The word "onus" typically refers to a burden or responsibility. For example, "The "onus" is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt."

What can I say instead of "onus"?

You can use alternatives like "responsibility", "obligation", or "burden of proof" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "onus is on" or "onus is upon"?

"Onus is on" is generally more common and acceptable in contemporary English. "Onus is upon" is also correct but sounds more formal and somewhat archaic.

What's the difference between "onus" and "duty"?

"Onus" typically implies a burden or responsibility that someone must prove or fulfill, whereas "duty" suggests a moral or legal obligation that one is expected to perform. The "onus" often relates to proving something, while "duty" usually relates to performing an action.