shoulder a burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder a burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to taking on responsibility or dealing with a difficult situation. Example: "After the sudden loss of her father, she had to shoulder a burden that no one her age should have to bear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

From this work on, the Mozart player 'must shoulder a burden of perfection that goes beyond his powers'.

The Guardian - Music

The majority of workers shoulder a burden their colleagues and employers may not see.

Huffington Post

And as a country, all of us can and should ask ourselves how we can help you shoulder a burden that nobody should have to bear alone.

Huffington Post

Consequently, the economy -- and we as taxpayers -- shoulder a burden for the fact that such a large number of households are either unbanked or underbanked and are driven to high-cost alternative financial services that consumes a disproportionate amount of their resources.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In a democratic Argentina, being an artist and politically engaged means shouldering a burden greater than mere opposition.

The New York Times - Arts

If Isis wins the competition, it should be because she is good at what she does – not because she has shouldered a burden or broken a barrier.

The Guardian - Opinion

But whereas Langer's resilience in 1991 was helped by considerable moral support from his colleagues, Ballesteros is shouldering a burden that may be more difficult to jettison.

The Guardian - Sport

In the absence of strong communities and family support networks, local councils are shouldering a burden of social outcomes that grows more daunting with each new generation of damaged children.

The Guardian

As wonderfully thoughtful and dear as so many of you are who have reached out to ask about our safety, I am merely shouldering a burden as a single dad (geez — for a whole week!) and trying to get them to gymnastics after school on time.

The New York Times

And in the short term, it often feels like a huge relief, a weight off your shoulders, a burden for someone else to manage.

Forbes

A "halo car" bears on its thickly muscled shoulders a burden: its builder's hopes for a more passion-filled future.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoulder a burden" when you want to convey the idea of taking on a difficult responsibility that weighs heavily on someone or a group. It's appropriate when the task is not only work but also carries emotional or psychological strain.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder a burden" in situations that are not genuinely challenging or weighty. This phrase carries a sense of seriousness and is inappropriate for trivial tasks or minor inconveniences. Using it incorrectly can sound melodramatic or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder a burden" functions as a verb phrase where "shoulder" acts as a transitive verb, taking "a burden" as its direct object. It describes the action of accepting or bearing a difficult responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoulder a burden" is a phrase used to describe the act of taking on a significant responsibility or hardship. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases include "bear a responsibility" and "carry the weight", each offering slight variations in meaning. When using the phrase, ensure it fits the seriousness of the situation to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoulder the responsibility

Very similar, but explicitly states 'responsibility' instead of the more figurative 'burden'.

bear a responsibility

Emphasizes the obligation aspect rather than the difficulty.

carry the weight

Focuses on the heaviness and impact of the obligation.

carry the load

Focuses on the task/work, de-emphasizing the emotional or psychological impact.

take on the onus

Highlights the burden as a duty or obligation that must be fulfilled.

bear the brunt

Emphasizes enduring the worst part of a negative impact or situation.

assume the mantle

Suggests taking on a leadership role along with its associated responsibilities.

take responsibility for

Directly implies accepting accountability.

handle the pressure

Focuses on managing stress or strain.

endure the hardship

Highlights the act of withstanding suffering or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "shoulder a burden" in a sentence?

Use "shoulder a burden" when you want to express that someone is taking on a significant responsibility or hardship. For example, "After her father's passing, she had to "shoulder a burden" far beyond her years".

What are some alternatives to "shoulder a burden"?

Alternatives include "bear a responsibility", "carry the weight", or "take on the onus". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "shoulder a burden" or "shoulder the responsibility"?

Both phrases are correct and widely used. "Shoulder a burden" is more figurative and emphasizes the difficulty of the task, while "shoulder the responsibility" is more direct and highlights accountability.

What does it mean to "shoulder a disproportionate burden"?

To "shoulder a disproportionate burden" means to bear a responsibility or hardship that is unfairly greater than what others are experiencing. This phrase is often used to describe systemic inequalities or unfair distributions of resources.