shouldering the responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"shouldering the responsibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means taking on or bearing the responsibility for something. You can use it in any context where someone is taking on a responsibility, such as: - "He's been shouldering the responsibility of managing the project all on his own." - "As the CEO, she's used to shouldering the responsibility for the company's success." - "The coach praised the team's captain for shouldering the responsibility of leading the team to victory." Example: Despite the challenging circumstances, Jane showed great leadership by shouldering the responsibility of organizing a successful fundraising event for the charity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But it does give a student some practice at shouldering the responsibility of being a moral agent.

The New York Times

For doctors, then, the key to preserving patient autonomy — and patient-centered care — lies not in letting patients make the final decisions alone but in respecting their opinions and shouldering the responsibility together.

The New York Times

Karen Barratt Winchester Harold Wilson seems to have suffered more than most prime ministers from a tendency to attribute successes to others, while shouldering the responsibility for dissatisfactions during his watch.

The Guardian

"I will pursue with you the march of transition into the future, shouldering the responsibility and burdens as long as I draw breath and my heart beats in my chest," he told the joint session of Parliament on its opening day.

The New York Times

"I will carry on with you, crossing to the future, shouldering the responsibility, as long as my heart is beating and I'm breathing," Mr Mubarak declared, drawing a standing ovation from the four-fifths of the audience that came from his own National Democratic Party NDPP).What happens when his heart stops beating?

The Economist

But to throw out some ballpark figure, an actual number of the weeks, months or years this woman we had grown to care about had left to live, meant shouldering the responsibility none of us were eager to be reminded of – that is, our potential role in hastening her death because of poor clinical decisions based on the wrong prognosis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Shouldering the responsibilities of Barnes & Noble is one thing.

The New York Times

And he said "no one serious about shouldering the responsibilities of the Presidency" should remain silent.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama, shouldering the responsibilities of a sitting president, acted first, abandoning a planned Florida rally to fly back to the White House on Monday morning.

The New York Times

They've served this country proudly -- shouldering the responsibilities of the world while others went to college or into family business.

Huffington Post

This component concerns the active part of parents' caring for their child's clinical needs; learning through joint enterprise and shouldering the responsibilities and burden of healthcare.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "bearing the responsibility" or "assuming the responsibility" for variety and nuance in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who is "shouldering the responsibility". Instead, clearly identify the person or entity taking on the responsibility to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shouldering the responsibility" functions as a gerund phrase. It acts as a noun, describing the act of taking on or bearing responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, indicating its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shouldering the responsibility" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that signifies actively taking on duties and obligations. Ludwig AI validates its usage across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. Its versatility allows for application in both formal and informal communication, highlighting commitment and resilience. Alternatives like "bearing the responsibility" and "assuming the responsibility" offer nuanced substitutes, while clear and active voice constructions are favored for maximum clarity. This makes "shouldering the responsibility" a valuable phrase for expressing proactive acceptance of duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bearing the responsibility

Emphasizes the act of carrying or supporting the responsibility.

undertaking the responsibility

Highlights the initiation and commitment to the responsibility.

assuming the responsibility

Focuses on the act of taking control and ownership of the responsibility.

accepting accountability

Stresses the willingness to be answerable for actions and outcomes.

taking charge

Highlights the leadership aspect and initiative in handling the situation.

taking ownership

Emphasizes the sense of personal responsibility and control.

stepping up to the plate

An idiomatic expression signifying readiness to face a challenge.

taking the reins

Implies assuming control and guiding the direction of something.

taking on the burden

Highlights the challenging or difficult aspect of the responsibility.

becoming responsible for

Focuses on the transition to a state of being in charge and accountable.

FAQs

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

Use "shouldering the responsibility" when you want to emphasize someone's active acceptance of a duty or obligation. For example, "The team leader is "shouldering the responsibility" for ensuring the project is completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "shouldering the responsibility"?

You can use alternatives like "bearing the responsibility", "assuming the responsibility", or "taking ownership" depending on the specific context.

Is "shouldering the responsibility" formal or informal?

"Shouldering the responsibility" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in professional reports, news articles, or everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "shouldering the responsibility" and "taking responsibility"?

"Taking responsibility" is a more general term. "Shouldering the responsibility" implies not only accepting the obligation but also actively and willingly handling the associated burdens and challenges.