problems on their shoulders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problems on their shoulders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is burdened with difficulties or responsibilities. Example: "After the merger, the employees felt the weight of the company's problems on their shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Be someone who only carries their own problems on their shoulders.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As in South Africa, the deepest and most relevant "reparation" would entail constructing and inculcating in our citizens an account of how we have come to be as we are -- one that avoids putting the responsibility for the current problems of African-Americans wholly on their shoulders.

The New York Times

There are little glimmers like Delta's "Cozy Suites," which look to be a good step in the right direction toward solving that problem of constantly elbowing your seat neighbors (or drooling on their shoulders) while simultaneously developing disc problems.

The New York Times

Disintegrating marriages, financial problems, sick children and post-traumatic stress fall on their shoulders.

The New York Times

The problem for England is that there was maybe an unrealistic level of expectation put on their shoulders.

Independent

Commissioners have much resting on their shoulders.

The Guardian

The report, Stars on Their Shoulders.

The Guardian

Rain sits on their shoulders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jubilant worshipers carried him on their shoulders.

The New York Times

A great deal rests on their shoulders.

The Guardian

You go cry on their shoulders".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problems on their shoulders", ensure the context clearly establishes who is bearing the burden and what those burdens specifically are. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid attributing "problems on their shoulders" vaguely. Be specific about where the problems originate. For example, instead of saying 'The team had problems on their shoulders', specify 'The team felt the weight of the project's looming deadline on their shoulders'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problems on their shoulders" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the burden of responsibilities, challenges, or difficulties that someone is bearing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English, indicating its established place in the language.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problems on their shoulders" effectively communicates the weight and impact of difficulties someone is facing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while example sentences demonstrate its application across various contexts. Although not extremely common, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the source of the problems and who is bearing the burden. Consider more formal alternatives like "responsibilities they bear" in professional settings. By understanding its nuances, you can use "problems on their shoulders" to add depth and empathy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdens they carry

This alternative focuses on the emotional and mental weight of difficulties.

responsibilities they bear

This alternative highlights the obligations and duties that weigh heavily on someone.

challenges they face

This alternative emphasizes the obstacles and difficulties encountered.

difficulties they confront

This alternative stresses the act of dealing with hardships directly.

struggles they endure

This alternative conveys a sense of perseverance through tough times.

weight of their worries

This alternative underscores the anxiety and stress associated with their concerns.

pressure they are under

This alternative emphasizes external forces causing stress and burden.

demands placed upon them

This alternative highlights the expectations and requirements imposed on individuals.

trials they undergo

This alternative suggests a series of challenging experiences.

hardships they weather

This alternative implies resilience and the ability to withstand difficult circumstances.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "problems on their shoulders"?

Having "problems on their shoulders" means bearing a significant burden of responsibility, challenges, or difficulties. It suggests that someone is carrying a heavy load of issues.

Is there a more formal way to say "problems on their shoulders"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "responsibilities they bear" or "burdens they carry". These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more professional or academic context.

How can I use "problems on their shoulders" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone facing hardships, such as: "After the economic downturn, many families carried the weight of financial "problems on their shoulders"".

What's the difference between "problems on their shoulders" and "carrying the weight of the world"?

"Problems on their shoulders" refers to specific, identifiable issues someone is dealing with. "Carrying the weight of the world" is a more general expression implying a sense of overwhelming global or existential burden.