shoulder responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of accepting or taking on a duty or obligation. Example: "As the team leader, I must shoulder responsibility for the project's success or failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It wanted everyone to shoulder responsibility for decisions.

The New York Times

Addressing the justice gap requires all segments of society, not lawyers alone, to shoulder responsibility.

The New York Times

With Democrats controlling the White House and Congress, they shoulder responsibility for the country's troubles.

The New York Times

The political leadership should shoulder responsibility for any such postings, he said.

The Guardian

But the Europeans remain military lightweights and unwilling to shoulder responsibility.

The New York Times

Griffiths says that GP consortiums will shoulder responsibility for the bulk of NHS expenditure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

He is so unwilling to shoulder responsibilities that he has barely spoken since the election, reverting to an old habit of slinking into the shadows after a loss.

The Economist

They've asked Staller to shoulder responsibilities for the rarely seen You Never Can Tell.

Huffington Post

Moreover, it is also possible to put on Mbeki's shoulders responsibility for yet another infectious disease outbreak.

Forbes

Shouldering responsibility in a different health care system and working with underserved patients broadens the personal and medical horizon.

BMC Medical Education

The weightlifter – this competitive co-worker shoulders responsibility by taking on extra workloads.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure the subject of the sentence is capable of bearing responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder responsibility" when the subject is not genuinely in a position to influence the outcome or does not have the authority to make decisions. Ensure there is a clear connection between the person and the responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder responsibility" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of accepting and bearing a duty or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction used to show commitment. Examples in Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoulder responsibility" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that conveys a strong sense of accountability and commitment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and general writing. While it's suitable for formal writing, remember to ensure that the subject is genuinely in a position to influence outcomes. Consider alternatives like "take accountability" or "own the outcome" to add nuance to your writing. Mastering the use of this phrase and its alternatives enhances clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be accountable

Stresses being responsible for one's actions and decisions.

take accountability

Focuses on being answerable and accepting the consequences for actions.

assume the obligation

Focuses on formally accepting a requirement.

embrace the duty

Highlights willingly accepting the obligation.

own the outcome

Stresses accepting the results of an action, whether positive or negative.

bear the burden

Highlights the challenging aspect of taking on a duty.

face the music

Implies accepting the consequences of one's actions, often negative.

step up to the plate

Implies taking action and accepting a challenge.

take the reins

Emphasizes assuming control and direction.

take charge

Emphasizes the act of leading and managing.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shoulder responsibility"?

To "shoulder responsibility" means to accept and bear the burden of a duty or obligation. It implies taking ownership and being accountable for outcomes.

What are some alternatives to "shoulder responsibility"?

You can use alternatives like "take accountability", "own the outcome", or "assume the obligation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shoulder responsibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "shoulder responsibility" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing commitment and ownership. It is also common in news media and general contexts.

How does "shoulder responsibility" differ from "take responsibility"?

While both phrases mean accepting accountability, "shoulder responsibility" often implies a more significant burden or a greater sense of commitment than simply "take responsibility".