shouldering the burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shouldering the burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe taking on responsibility or dealing with a difficult situation. Example: "In times of crisis, it is often the leaders who are shouldering the burden of decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Help, perhaps, but not with Germany shouldering the burden alone.

The New York Times

Had the medical center not spun off from the county, taxpayers would be shouldering the burden.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, however, the world's poor are unfairly shouldering the burden of the intervention.

The New York Times

Sometimes, he said, shouldering the burden of Haaretz "is like carrying a cross".

The New Yorker

"The feeling is that the people who can least afford it are the ones shouldering the burden of this crisis".

The New York Times

But they agree more needs to be done to show solidarity with nations shouldering the burden of the refugees.

Independent

The President said ordinary citizens shouldering the burden of "actions and omissions" want to see those responsible punished.

Independent

With billions of federal dollars stalled, non-profits are shouldering the burden to get people back into homes.

The Economist

Employers who must pay higher insurance premiums for their workers are shouldering the burden of the rising drug prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

America should not shoulder the burden alone.

The Economist

The question is who is best to shoulder the burden".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shouldering the burden", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is taking on a difficult responsibility. For example, "The healthcare workers are shouldering the burden of the pandemic."

Common error

Avoid using "shouldering the burden" when the subject is not genuinely carrying a significant responsibility. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. Be sure that the subject is carrying more than the expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shouldering the burden" functions as a verbal phrase that often serves as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of accepting and dealing with a difficult task, responsibility, or hardship, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shouldering the burden" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of taking on a significant responsibility or challenge. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the weight of responsibility being carried. Alternatives such as "bearing the weight" or "taking on the responsibility" can be used depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking on the responsibility

This phrase highlights the act of accepting responsibility for a task or situation.

bearing the weight

This alternative focuses on the heaviness and difficulty associated with the responsibility.

carrying the load

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and sustained responsibility involved.

handling the pressure

Focuses on managing stress and demands related to a challenging situation.

facing the difficulties

Highlights the act of confronting challenges directly.

stepping up to the plate

Emphasizes taking decisive action and assuming responsibility.

taking the heat

Implies dealing with criticism or blame.

managing the crisis

Focuses on the active management of a difficult situation.

enduring the hardship

Focuses on the act of persevering through tough times.

swallowing the bitter pill

Suggests accepting an unpleasant or difficult reality.

FAQs

How can I use "shouldering the burden" in a sentence?

You can use "shouldering the burden" to describe someone or something taking on a difficult responsibility or challenge. For example: "The volunteers are "shouldering the burden" of providing aid to the refugees."

What are some alternatives to "shouldering the burden"?

Alternatives include "bearing the weight", "taking on the responsibility", or "carrying the load". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "shouldering the burden" or "sharing the burden"?

The choice depends on the situation. "Shouldering the burden" implies taking on the primary responsibility, while "sharing the burden" suggests distributing the responsibility among multiple parties.

Can "shouldering the burden" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "shouldering the burden" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news, business, and formal writing than in casual conversation. Its impact comes from the gravitas of the situation.