shoulder obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the responsibilities or duties that someone is expected to bear or fulfill. Example: "As a team leader, I must shoulder obligations to ensure that all projects are completed on time and to a high standard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since when did our conscience as a nation start being dictated by the failings of others to shoulder their obligations?

The Guardian - Opinion

Shoulder responsibility.

WikiHow

The logic of France shouldering our obligations was always nebulous, and relied on an unstable combination of inertia and goodwill.

The Guardian - Opinion

In more ways than one "Hanna" is a departure for Mr. Wright, 39, who with his previous films has shouldered the obligations of fidelity: translating Jane Austen or Ian McEwan to the screen, or in the 2009 film "The Soloist," about the friendship between a newspaperman and a homeless Juilliard dropout, relying on the accounts of the journalist Steve Lopez.

The New York Times

"The company's extraordinary no action request shows the notable lengths that the company is willing to go, and to stretch credulity, in order to prevent its directors from shouldering fiduciary obligations on indigenous and human rights," wrote shareholder proponents at the time.

The Guardian - Business

Rather than sharing household responsibilities with their partners, women are simply shouldering more obligations.

HuffPost

After 10 years of independence, he said, Russians have built only "the carcass of a civic society" and have yet to shoulder such basic obligations as obeying laws.

The New York Times

And modern Muslims, including rather conservative ones, have been quite imaginative in rereading some of Islam's legal and penal traditions.Tariq Ramadan, an influential figure among Western Muslims, has suggested that it may sometimes be right for families to opt out of Koranic rules on inheritance unless men are prepared to shoulder all the obligations that go with their privileged rights.

The Economist

This does not translate to an economic burden that the American people must shoulder or security obligations that we unnecessarily bear.

Huffington Post

"We will shoulder more international obligations and play a more proactive role in international affairs as well as the reform of the international system," Xi said in response to a question from former British prime minister Gordon Brown about taking on the G-20 chairmanship in the coming years.

HuffPost

With the persistent financial crisis, especially in OECD countries, in recent years, traditional donors have partly reduced their donations, but some emerging donors have started to shoulder more international obligations and to invest more in global health, especially China and India [ 6].

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoulder obligations" when you want to emphasize the act of bearing or taking on responsibilities, especially when those responsibilities might be challenging or burdensome. It suggests a willingness to handle difficult tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder obligations" in contexts where a more direct or literal phrase like "take on responsibilities" would be clearer and more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder obligations" functions as a verbal phrase where "shoulder" acts as a verb meaning to bear or take on, and "obligations" serves as the noun representing duties or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoulder obligations" is grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys the act of accepting and managing responsibilities, often with a sense of duty. While versatile, it's more appropriate for formal or professional contexts. Alternatives like "bear responsibilities" or "undertake duties" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Although the phrase is correct, its usage is rare, so writers should be mindful of clarity and context to ensure its effectiveness. Remember to avoid overuse in place of simpler, more direct phrasing where applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear responsibilities

Emphasizes the act of carrying or enduring responsibilities.

undertake duties

Focuses on formally committing to perform specific tasks.

assume responsibilities

Highlights the act of taking on responsibilities, often willingly.

take on duties

Similar to "undertake duties" but slightly less formal.

discharge responsibilities

Emphasizes the act of fulfilling or completing responsibilities.

execute obligations

Focuses on the performance and completion of duties, often in a formal setting.

fulfill duties

Stresses the completion and satisfaction of duties.

meet obligations

Highlights the act of satisfying or fulfilling required duties.

embrace responsibilities

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance of responsibilities.

carry the burden of responsibility

Emphasizes the weight and challenge associated with responsibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoulder obligations" to describe someone accepting responsibilities, such as, "As a team leader, I must shoulder obligations to ensure that all projects are completed on time and to a high standard."

What are some alternatives to "shoulder obligations"?

You can use alternatives like "bear responsibilities", "undertake duties", or "assume responsibilities" depending on the context.

Is "shoulder obligations" a formal or informal phrase?

"Shoulder obligations" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more suitable for formal or professional writing due to its slightly elevated tone.

What does it mean to "shoulder obligations"?

To "shoulder obligations" means to accept and manage responsibilities, often implying a sense of duty or burden.