shoulder the responsibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder the responsibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of taking on or accepting duties or obligations, often in a leadership or supportive role. Example: "As the team leader, I must shoulder the responsibilities of ensuring that all tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Blake quietly shelves his own ambitions to shoulder the responsibilities of the ranch and the family, including the wife and children of the feckless Jack.

The New York Times - Books

General Petraeus said that he would "echo" Ms. Flournoy and that "the task will be for them to shoulder the responsibilities of their own security".

The New York Times

The short opening lyric calls for a clear direct style of image and thought, a poetry that can shoulder the responsibilities of its time - "One clear stanza can take more weight / Than a whole wagon of elaborate prose".

The Guardian - Books

The couple wanted a more suburban setting for their two young children, but they didn't want to shoulder the responsibilities that usually come with living in a single-family home.

The New York Times

As Kamil writes, toward the end of the article, high-school students are in the midst of figuring out how to transition from childhood to early adulthood, how to shoulder the responsibilities of sexuality, what ideals to stand up for, whom to defend.

The New York Times

And it needs a well-funded navy that can become both a provider of maritime security along some of the world's busiest sea-lanes and an expression of India's willingness to shoulder the responsibilities of a great power.Most of all, though, India needs to give up its outdated philosophy of non-alignment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Pakistan Cricket Board must shoulder the responsibility for appointing him.

The Guardian - Sport

He cannot be expected to shoulder the responsibility alone.

The Guardian - Sport

"Shoulder the responsibility with the army and the police," he said.

The New York Times

Both clubs will shoulder the responsibility of hosting the Open via a joint championship committee.

The Guardian - Sport

To finally shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding a country whose decimation we are all complicit in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shoulder the responsibilities", ensure the context clearly indicates who is taking on the duties and what those duties are. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder the responsibilities" in overly abstract or vague contexts. Instead, specify the actual tasks or obligations being undertaken to make your writing more concrete and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder the responsibilities" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a clause. It describes the action of accepting and managing duties or obligations. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoulder the responsibilities" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies accepting and managing duties, often those that are demanding. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to Wiki and Formal & Business settings, reflecting a neutral to professional register. Alternatives such as "bear the responsibilities" or "take on the responsibilities" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When employing this phrase, clarity in specifying the responsibilities and the accountable party enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear the responsibilities

This alternative uses "bear" instead of "shoulder", implying a heavier burden.

assume the responsibilities

This alternative suggests taking on responsibilities, often voluntarily or by expectation.

take on the responsibilities

This alternative is a more general way of saying someone is accepting responsibilities.

embrace the responsibilities

This alternative implies accepting responsibilities willingly and with enthusiasm.

uphold the responsibilities

This alternative emphasizes maintaining or defending responsibilities.

discharge the responsibilities

This alternative suggests fulfilling responsibilities effectively.

execute the responsibilities

This alternative emphasizes the action of performing responsibilities.

undertake the responsibilities

This alternative is a more formal way of saying someone is taking on responsibilities.

fulfill the responsibilities

This alternative is focused on completing and satisfying responsibilities.

meet the responsibilities

This alternative implies fulfilling the expectations or requirements of responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "shoulder the responsibilities" mean?

To "shoulder the responsibilities" means to accept and deal with duties and obligations, especially when they are difficult or burdensome.

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

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

How do you use "shoulder the responsibilities" in a sentence?

Example: "As the team leader, she had to shoulder the responsibilities of ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget."

Is it better to say "shoulder the responsibility" or "shoulder the responsibilities"?

While both are correct, "shoulder the responsibilities" is more common when referring to a range of duties or obligations, whereas "shoulder the responsibility" is used for a single, specific duty. The choice depends on the context.