shouldered responsibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shouldered responsibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone taking on a duty or obligation, often in a leadership or accountable role. Example: "After the project failed, she shouldered responsibility for the team's shortcomings and worked to improve the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We women know what's happening," she says, having shouldered responsibility for the well-being of dozens who rely on her for basic necessities.

Independent

Dugdale added: "The Tories have put the future of the UK in danger at every turn and it's high time they shouldered responsibility for that".

The Guardian

That meant Nanqian, more than any other resident of the mountain town of Hongwansi, shouldered responsibility for keeping local religious traditions alive.

The New York Times

Under it, the federal government shouldered responsibility for developing a vaccine and stockpiling antivirals, and state and local governments were told to plan for the medical response and quarantine.

The New York Times

In an interview on Friday, Mr. Spitzer, who now hosts a show on Current TV, said people on Wall Street who shouldered responsibility for triggering the financial crisis were trying to allow the passage of time "to blind us to what was being done that was illegal and improper".

The New York Times

Israel shouldered responsibility for Jewish refugees from not only the devastation of Europe but across the Arab world, where Jewish lives were turned upside down through mob violence, massacres and Arab state policy; 800,000 Jews from Iraq, Morocco, Yemen and elsewhere were forced out, finding refuge in Israel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Take responsibility for yourself".

The New York Times

We take responsibility for that".

The New York Times

I take responsibility for them.

The New Yorker

I take responsibility for that.

The New York Times - Sports

"MH accepts responsibility for the error".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shouldered responsibility for" when you want to emphasize the burden or weight of the responsibility being taken on. It adds a layer of gravitas to the action.

Common error

While "shouldered responsibility for" can add impact, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where direct language is preferred. Opt for simpler alternatives like "took responsibility" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shouldered responsibility for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of accepting and bearing the burden of a particular duty or obligation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shouldered responsibility for" is a grammatically sound and meaningful way to express the acceptance and bearing of a duty or obligation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally correct and usable. While not overly common, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts and possesses a neutral register. For more formal situations, simpler alternatives such as "took responsibility for" may be preferred. The phrase effectively communicates a willingness to be accountable, often implying a significant commitment. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overuse of figurative language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took responsibility for

A more common and direct alternative, lacking the figurative imagery of 'shouldering'.

assumed responsibility for

Emphasizes a deliberate act of taking on the responsibility.

accepted responsibility for

Highlights the agreement or willingness to be accountable.

bore the responsibility for

Implies carrying the weight or burden of the responsibility.

was accountable for

Focuses on being answerable and liable for outcomes.

handled the responsibility of

Indicates managing the practical aspects of a responsibility.

took charge of

Suggests taking control and leading the management of something.

managed

A simpler term indicating oversight and direction.

oversaw

Emphasizes the supervisory aspect of responsibility.

addressed the issue of

Highlights dealing with or solving a problem rather than pure accountability.

FAQs

What does "shouldered responsibility for" mean?

It means to accept and take on the burden or duty of something, implying a sense of carrying the weight of that responsibility.

How can I use "shouldered responsibility for" in a sentence?

Example: "After the scandal, the CEO "took responsibility for" the company's actions and resigned."

What are some alternatives to "shouldered responsibility for"?

You can use phrases like "assumed responsibility for", "accepted responsibility for", or "took charge of" depending on the specific context.

Is "shouldered responsibility for" formal or informal?

The phrase "shouldered responsibility for" is neither strictly formal nor informal, but it tends to be used in more descriptive or narrative contexts. In very formal or business writing, simpler alternatives like "assumed responsibility for" might be preferred.