take the brunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take the brunt' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in the context of taking responsibility for a situation or to mean that someone is dealing with the results of a difficult or unpleasant situation. Example: "Peter decided to take the brunt of his parents' anger and accept responsibility for the broken window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The children take the brunt.

The Guardian

"But cashiers take the brunt of it.

The New York Times

The UK and the US will take the brunt of the 2,600 departures.

Independent

"We take the brunt of the contact on most possessions," West said.

The New York Times - Sports

The top of her car and her helmet seemed to take the brunt of it.

Independent

"It's part of my job to take the brunt of it".

The New York Times - Sports

So the Greek government would take the brunt of any loss.

The Economist

Analysts said that food companies sometimes take the brunt of public worries about mad cow disease.

The New York Times

And it's us little people who take the brunt of that," Nasim said.

The Guardian

"The ones that take the brunt of it are the calves," Dr. Jay said.

The New York Times - Science

Women in most poverty-stricken countries take the brunt of everything.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take the brunt" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is receiving the main force of an impact or negative consequence. For example, "Barrier islands are supposed to "take the brunt" of storms."

Common error

Avoid using "take the brunt" to describe positive situations. This phrase inherently implies a negative impact or burden. Instead, use phrases like "reap the benefits" or "enjoy the rewards" for favorable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the brunt" functions as a verbal phrase that typically appears in the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of bearing the main impact or force of something, usually negative. According to Ludwig, it is a commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Sports

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the brunt" is a common phrase used to describe bearing the main impact or force of something, typically negative. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage. It is frequently found in news and media, sports, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "bear the brunt" and "shoulder the burden". When writing, remember that "take the brunt" implies a negative consequence and should not be used in positive situations. This phrase is a useful and vivid way to illustrate the unequal distribution of impact in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear the brunt

Emphasizes endurance and resilience when facing difficulty; maintains the core meaning but uses different verb.

shoulder the burden

Focuses on carrying a heavy load or responsibility; similar in meaning but highlights responsibility.

endure the impact

Highlights the act of withstanding a forceful effect, shifting the focus from responsibility to resistance.

suffer the consequences

Emphasizes the negative outcomes experienced; similar but focuses on results rather than the act of bearing.

face the worst

Suggests confronting the most severe aspects of a situation; highlights the severity of what is being endured.

absorb the shock

Focuses on mitigating the initial impact or disturbance; highlights the buffering effect.

withstand the force

Emphasizes resistance against a powerful influence; similar to enduring but more active.

weather the storm

Suggests surviving a difficult period or crisis; metaphorical and implies a longer duration.

be the first to suffer

Highlights the order of experiencing negative effects; focuses on the timing of the impact.

be on the receiving end

Indicates being the target of something negative; more passive and general.

FAQs

How can I use "take the brunt" in a sentence?

Use "take the brunt" to indicate that someone or something is experiencing the main force or negative impact of a situation. For example, "The smaller businesses will "take the brunt" of the economic downturn".

What does it mean to "take the brunt" of something?

To "take the brunt" means to bear the main force or impact of something, typically something negative or unpleasant. It implies receiving the worst part of an event or situation.

What are some alternatives to "take the brunt"?

Alternatives include "bear the brunt", "shoulder the burden", or "endure the impact". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take the brunt" or should I use another phrase?

"Take the brunt" is a correct and commonly used idiom. It effectively conveys the idea of absorbing the main impact of something negative. Other phrases like "bear the brunt" are equally valid.