shoulder the responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"shoulder the responsibility" is a perfectly valid phrase that is often used in written English.
For example: "He was the only one willing to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

Civilians can't shoulder the responsibility for killing, but the social contract demands they care for those who do.

The New York Times

It is all the unions' fault Mr Flynn claims that a LU "needs to shoulder the responsibility" as well.

Independent

Those who shoulder the responsibility for setting these goals may be a mix of sustainability officers, accounting departments and management.

The Guardian

"But I'm very pleased," he said of Mr. Cocola's plans to shoulder the responsibility for the signs.

The New York Times

Mrs. Sulzer tried in vain to shoulder the responsibility for her husband's stock transactions, but Mr. Sulzer and his lawyers refused to permit her to sacrifice herself.

The New York Times

The former Fulham and West Brom boss does not want too much negative attention to be paid on two tight defeats, but admits they will shoulder the responsibility.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shoulder the responsibility", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific duty or task is being undertaken. Be explicit about the action connected to the responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder the responsibility" without clearly defining the responsibility in question. Ambiguity can lead to confusion about who is accountable for what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder the responsibility" functions as a verb phrase where "shoulder" acts as a verb, indicating the action of accepting and bearing responsibility. Examples from Ludwig confirm its use in expressing the act of taking on duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shoulder the responsibility" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the act of accepting and managing duties or obligations. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it's crucial to clearly define the specific responsibility being undertaken to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "assume accountability" or "bear the burden" can offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume accountability

Highlights the aspect of being answerable for outcomes.

take on the obligation

Highlights the formal and binding nature of the responsibility.

bear the burden

Focuses on the negative aspect of responsibility as a heavy load.

take the reins

Emphasizes control and guidance in handling responsibility.

own the task

Emphasizes personal commitment and control over the responsibility.

take charge

Stresses the initiative and leadership in accepting responsibility.

step up to the plate

Indicates readiness to face a challenge or duty.

embrace the challenge

Focuses on the positive aspect of accepting a difficult responsibility.

handle the matter

Suggests a practical and efficient approach to managing responsibility.

manage the affair

Emphasizes the active involvement in responsibility that requires overseeing and coordination.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shoulder the responsibility"?

To "shoulder the responsibility" means to accept and manage a duty, burden, or obligation, often implying a willingness to be accountable for the outcome.

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

You can use "shoulder the responsibility" in sentences like, "The manager decided to "take on the responsibility" of leading the project" or "The team members agreed to "share the responsibility" for completing the task".

Which is more appropriate: "shoulder the responsibility" or "take responsibility"?

"Shoulder the responsibility" and "take responsibility" are both appropriate but have slightly different connotations. "Shoulder the responsibility" often implies a heavier burden or a more significant obligation, while "take responsibility" is a more general term.

What are some alternatives to "shoulder the responsibility"?

Alternatives to "shoulder the responsibility" include "assume accountability", "take charge", or "bear the burden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.