shouldered the responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'shouldered the responsibility' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when someone takes on a difficult task or accepts a duty that requires effort and commitment. For example, "John shouldered the responsibility of caring for his elderly parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Their brothers wrote them letters telling them how they were disgracing their families, and that it was obvious that the way God had made men and women, women were so constructed as to be able to nurture the next generation and were responsible for the home, while it was men who properly shouldered the responsibility for providing for the women and the children.

HuffPost

He shouldered the responsibility for everything.

The Guardian

White House officials said Congress shouldered the responsibility to get its work done despite the new burden of a vote on military action in Syria.

The New York Times

Sabathia has always shouldered the responsibility of leading a staff, understanding the need to churn through innings to save the bullpen and set an example.

The New York Times - Sports

NR's predecessor Railtrack was the infrastructure company in charge at the time of the crash but NR has shouldered the responsibility.

Independent

FOR SEVEN decades since the end of World War II, the United States has shouldered the responsibility of global security guarantor.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 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

Thank goodness publishers are willing to shoulder the responsibility of controlling access to our research.

Harvard University

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether the context requires a more formal or informal tone. While "shouldered the responsibility" is generally appropriate for most situations, alternatives like "took on" or "assumed" might be more suitable for less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shouldered the responsibility" when the person did not willingly accept the duty or was forced into it. Opt for a more neutral phrase like "was assigned the responsibility" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shouldered the responsibility" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of accepting and managing a significant duty or obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from political accountability to sports leadership.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shouldered the responsibility" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of willingly accepting and managing a significant duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "took on the responsibility" and "assumed responsibility" offer similar meanings, while understanding the connotation of willingness is crucial for accurate usage. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of commitment and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Took on the responsibility

Emphasizes the act of assuming responsibility.

Assumed responsibility

Highlights the act of taking control.

Accepted accountability

Focuses on being answerable for outcomes.

Took charge of

Suggests a more proactive approach to managing the situation.

Managed the obligations

Highlights the management of specific duties.

Bore the burden of responsibility

Emphasizes the difficulty of the responsibility.

Undertook the duty

Implies a formal or moral obligation.

Addressed the matter

Focuses on handling a specific issue or problem.

Tackled the challenge

Highlights the difficulty of the responsibility.

Dealt with the task

Indicates a direct approach to handling the assigned work.

FAQs

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

You can use "shouldered the responsibility" to indicate that someone has taken on a duty or obligation. For example: "The manager "shouldered the responsibility" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "shouldered the responsibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "took on the responsibility", "assumed responsibility", or "accepted accountability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bears the responsibility" grammatically correct?

Yes, "bears the responsibility" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""shouldered the responsibility"". Both phrases indicate that someone is carrying the weight or burden of a particular duty.

What's the difference between "shouldered the responsibility" and "shared the responsibility"?

"Shouldered the responsibility" implies taking on the entire burden or duty, while "shared the responsibility" indicates that the duty is divided among multiple people.