shoulder a responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder a responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is taking responsibility for something. Example: "The new team leader will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They sit in a cupboard behind me, over my left shoulder, a responsibility to the past.

The Guardian - Books

We all shoulder a responsibility to maintain an open internet.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I support our president for his leadership and resolve in shouldering a responsibility that others would shirk (front page, March 20).

The New York Times

Few Democrats would want to shoulder such a responsibility, so many analysts expect that they will be the ones to blink first.

The Economist

How soon Iraq's tainted courts can shoulder such a responsibility, and whether the country can build a credible justice system under the tutelage of its occupiers, it is too early to tell.

The New York Times

This has led to calls for richer nations to shoulder a greater responsibility for the displacement crisis.

The Guardian

We shoulder a huge responsibility with far-reaching implications, and we have spent years trying to reach agreed terms that honour our rights and dignity and that, therefore, will meet the approval of our people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Welcome to DIY health, where Americans shoulder a greater responsibility for health decision making... and pay more, whether we like it or not.

Huffington Post

So, there was no gushing about a weight off her shoulders or a responsibility to her fans.

The Guardian - Film

I also know that this time of year they shoulder an awesome responsibility to do the right thing.

The New York Times - Sports

The Israeli court decision grew out of the Supreme Court's irritation that it was being made to shoulder an unsavory responsibility that really belonged to the legislature — "to pull Parliament's chestnuts out of the fire," in Justice Barak's words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

Common error

Avoid using too many metaphorical expressions in a single piece of writing. While "shoulder a responsibility" is acceptable, excessive use of metaphors can make your writing sound unnatural or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder a responsibility" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of accepting and bearing a duty or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase. It implies taking on a burden and being accountable for it.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoulder a responsibility" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe taking on a duty or burden. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Alternatives include "take on a responsibility" and "bear a responsibility". When employing this phrase, ensure its tone and metaphorical nature align with your writing's overall style and context to avoid overuse or confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on a responsibility

Emphasizes the act of accepting a duty or obligation.

bear a responsibility

Highlights the burden or weight associated with the duty.

assume a responsibility

Focuses on accepting a task, often implying a formal agreement.

uphold a responsibility

Stresses the maintenance and proper execution of the duty.

carry a responsibility

Implies the ongoing effort and management of the duty.

embrace a responsibility

Highlights the willingness and enthusiasm in accepting the duty.

accept a responsibility

Focuses on the acknowledgment and agreement to fulfill the duty.

deal with a responsibility

Focuses on the direct management and handling of duties.

manage a responsibility

Implies oversight and control over tasks.

face up to a responsibility

Emphasizes the courage and willingness to confront a challenging duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoulder a responsibility" to indicate that someone is taking on a duty or burden. For example, "The new manager had to "shoulder a responsibility" for the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "shoulder a responsibility"?

Some alternatives include "take on a responsibility", "bear a responsibility", or "assume a responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "shoulder the responsibility" instead of "shoulder a responsibility"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "shoulder the responsibility" implies a specific, already defined responsibility, while "shoulder a responsibility" suggests taking on a more general or undefined duty.

What's the difference between "shoulder a responsibility" and "share a responsibility"?

"Shoulder a responsibility" means to take on a duty, while "share a responsibility" ( "share a responsibility" ) means to divide a duty among multiple parties. The first implies individual accountability, while the second implies collective accountability.