the onus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the onus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate responsibility or burden placed on someone to take action or make a decision. Example: "The onus is on the manager to ensure that all team members are informed about the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The onus is on him.

The New York Times - Sports

The onus is on them.

The New Yorker

The onus is on Europe to respond.

The Guardian

The onus shifted, and public policy followed.

The New Yorker

"The onus is on us," he said.

The New York Times

But the onus is on the EU.

The Economist

The onus rests with the employer.

Independent

The onus is on you.

The New York Times

So the onus is on us.

The Guardian

Now the onus is on us.

The New York Times - Arts

That takes the onus off me here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the onus", clearly identify who or what the responsibility falls upon to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid incorrectly assigning "the onus" to someone who lacks the authority or capability to fulfill the associated responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the onus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or complement of a sentence. It denotes a specific burden, responsibility, or obligation that rests upon someone or something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the onus" is a noun phrase signifying a burden, responsibility, or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it's frequently employed in news and formal business contexts. When using it, ensure clarity by specifying who or what bears the responsibility. While "the responsibility" and "the burden" can serve as alternatives, "the onus" often conveys a more pronounced sense of duty or difficulty. Ludwig's examples emphasize its role in assigning accountability across various domains. While suitable for professional and neutral communication, reserve it for situations where a genuine responsibility is being highlighted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the responsibility

Focuses directly on the duty or obligation aspect, removing the implication of burden.

the burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty of the responsibility.

the duty

Highlights a moral or legal obligation.

the obligation

Stresses the binding nature of the responsibility.

the liability

Implies legal accountability or potential negative consequences.

the charge

Suggests a specific task or duty assigned to someone.

the imperative

Conveys a sense of urgency or necessity in fulfilling the responsibility.

the accountability

Highlights the expectation that someone will be answerable for their actions.

the cross

Emphasizes the suffering or hardship associated with the responsibility.

the hot seat

Implies a position of pressure and scrutiny due to the responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "the onus" in a sentence?

Use "the onus" to indicate where a burden or responsibility lies. For example, "The onus is on the government to provide adequate resources."

What's a good substitute for "the onus"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "the onus" with alternatives like "the responsibility", "the burden", or "the obligation".

Is it ever incorrect to use "the onus"?

While grammatically correct, using "the onus" might be inappropriate if the context doesn't involve a significant burden or responsibility. In such cases, a simpler word like "the task" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "the onus" and "the obligation"?

"The obligation" typically refers to a formal or legal requirement, while "the onus" can also imply a moral or practical responsibility that isn't necessarily legally binding. "The onus" often carries a connotation of burden or difficulty as well.