shoulder the load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder the load" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having to take responsibility of a task or situation. For example, "I have to shoulder the load while my co-workers are on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

When women have to shoulder the load, they arm themselves.

The New York Times

Much of that money went to pay retired judges and case managers to help shoulder the load and quickly dispose of cases in special foreclosure courts.

The Washington Post

But workers say the practice is unfair to local veterans filing claims when their local office has to shoulder the load for poorly managed offices.

The Washington Post

The News Corporation may also be frustrated that it has not yet lined up a major partner to help shoulder the load of a Telepiù acquisition.

The New York Times

BUFFALO With his arm in a sling, Mike Peca can no longer be counted on to shoulder the load of the Sabres' playoff hopes.

The New York Times - Sports

Ram's advantage was psychological a crucial difference-maker in tennis, since you're out there alone, with no teammates to urge you on or help shoulder the load.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The point guard has shouldered the load in his back court partner's absence, averaging 19.4 points and 9.1 assists through nine games.

The Washington Post

But in the aftermath of the attacks on Sept. 11, this year's operation -- called "Balikatan" or "Shouldering the Load Together" -- is much different in size, scope and location.

The New York Times

After him, Darren Bravo, soon to turn 27, and now the senior batsman in the team, shouldering the load just like Lara and Chanderpaul before him.

The Guardian - Sport

Forte did what he did all last season, recalibrating this offense by shouldering the load both on the ground and through the air.

The New York Times

Hughes scored 28 points in the first half, shouldering the load after the pregame news that Gilbert Arenas would be sidelined for three to six weeks after aggravating an abdominal injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoulder the load" when you want to emphasize the act of taking on a significant responsibility or burden, especially when others are unable or unwilling to do so.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder the load" for minor tasks; it implies a substantial responsibility. Use it appropriately to reflect the gravity of the task or burden being undertaken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder the load" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the act of taking on a significant responsibility or burden. Ludwig provides various examples where it's used to describe individuals or entities assuming duties that are demanding or critical in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Science & Research

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoulder the load" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe taking on a significant responsibility or burden. As Ludwig AI indicates, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, and Scientific domains. When writing, use "shoulder the load" to emphasize the act of assuming a demanding task or duty and be mindful of its connotations of substantial responsibility. Consider alternatives like "bear the load" or "take responsibility" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share the load

Focuses on distributing the responsibility among multiple parties instead of one.

bear the load

Emphasizes endurance and carrying the weight or burden.

carry the load

Highlights the action of transporting or sustaining the burden.

shoulder the responsibility

Shifts the focus from a general burden to a specific duty or accountability.

shoulder the burden

Emphasizes the hardship and difficulty associated with the responsibility.

handle the load

Implies managing or dealing with the task effectively.

take the load

Highlights assuming responsibility, often relieving someone else.

support the load

Suggests providing assistance or reinforcement to sustain the burden.

withstand the load

Focuses on enduring or resisting the pressure of the burden.

absorb the load

Implies mitigating the impact of a shock or pressure.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shoulder the load"?

To "shoulder the load" means to take on a significant responsibility or burden, often implying that the task is difficult or demanding.

How can I use "shoulder the load" in a sentence?

You can use "shoulder the load" to describe someone who is taking on a responsibility. For example: "During the crisis, she had to "shoulder the load" for the entire department."

What can I say instead of "shoulder the load"?

You can use alternatives like "bear the load", "carry the load", or "take responsibility" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shoulder some of the load"?

Yes, it is correct. "Shoulder some of the load" implies taking on a portion of the responsibility, rather than the entire burden.