What is shoulder? Pronunciation and usage in English

shoulder means . Learn how to pronounce and use shoulder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of shoulder

shouldernoun

/ˈʃəʊldə/
Definition & pronunciation of shoulder

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shoulder" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈʃoʊldər/ (shole-der)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "shou-": This part sounds like "shole." The "sh" sound is pronounced like in "ship." The "o" is a short "o" sound, like in "hot."

  2. "-lder": This is where it gets a bit tricky.

    • "ld": This combination makes a "d" sound.
    • "-er": This has a long "e" sound, like in "bed," but with a slightly flatter, more open mouth. Think of it as a broader, more relaxed "e" sound.

Tips and Nuances:

  • Emphasis: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("shole").
  • Rhyme: It doesn't rhyme with "soldier" or "older." Those words have different vowel sounds.
  • Regional Variations: You might hear slight variations depending on where you are (e.g., some people in the US might pronounce it a little more like /ˈʃoʊldər/ with a bit more of a 'uh' sound in the middle - it's still generally as above though).

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • Compare it to a similar word? (e.g., "should")
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Usage and examples with the word shoulder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "shoulder" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. The Physical Shoulder (Body Part)

  • Definition: The bony part of your upper arm that connects to your body. It’s the joint where your arm meets your torso.
  • Examples:
    • "He shrugged his shoulders in defeat." (Meaning: He slumped his shoulders, displaying sadness or resignation.)
    • "She injured her shoulder during the game." (Referring to the physical joint.)
    • "I’ve got a bruise on my shoulder." (Location)
    • "Pull your shoulders back." (Instruction - posture)

2. Shouldering (Action - Taking Responsibility)

  • Definition: To take on or bear a burden, responsibility, or task. This is a common idiomatic use.
  • Examples:
    • “I’ll shoulder the blame for the mistake.” (Meaning: I’ll accept responsibility.)
    • “You need to shoulder the responsibility of caring for your younger siblings.” (Meaning: You need to take care of them.)
    • “The company shouldered the cost of the repairs.” (Meaning: The company paid for the repairs.)

3. Shouldering (Action - Literally pushing/supporting)

  • Definition: To bear or support something physically.
  • Examples:
    • "He shouldered the heavy box." (Meaning: He supported the box with his shoulder.)
    • "She shouldered her way through the crowd." (Meaning: She pushed her way forward.)

4. Shoulder (Of a garment/clothing)

  • Definition: The part of a garment that rests on the shoulder.
  • Examples:
    • "The dress has a broad shoulder line." (Referring to the shape of the shoulder area of the dress)
    • “Roll up your sleeves.” (Refers to the part of the sleeve that is on the shoulder.)

5. Shoulder (Of a location - a slope or rise)

  • Definition: A sloping or raised area of land.
  • Examples:
    • "The road followed the shoulder of the mountain.” (Meaning: The road ran along the edge of the mountain).
    • "He pulled over to the side shoulder of the highway.” (Meaning: He parked on the grassy area to the side of the road).

Phrases and Idioms Using "Shoulder":

  • Shrug your shoulders: To appear indifferent or unconcerned.
  • Shoulder to shoulder: Working together closely, side by side. (e.g., "They worked shoulder to shoulder on the project.")
  • Shoulder the burden: To accept responsibility.
  • Lean on someone’s shoulder: To seek comfort or support.

Tips for Using "Shoulder" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Consider the action: Is it about taking responsibility, physical support, or a physical body part?
  • Synonyms: Depending on the meaning, you might consider synonyms like "burden," "responsibility," "support," "joint," or “slope.”

Could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "shoulder"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a specific example, etc.) Knowing your goal will help me give you even more targeted advice.

Synonyms for the word shoulder

Idioms of the word shoulder

be/stand head and shoulders above somebody/something
to be much better than other people or things
  • His performance stood head and shoulders above the rest.
be looking over your shoulder
to be anxious and have the feeling that somebody is going to do something unpleasant or harmful to you
    give somebody the cold shoulder
    (informal)to treat somebody in a way that is not friendly
      have a chip on your shoulder (about something)
      (informal)to be sensitive about something that happened in the past and become easily offended if it is mentioned because you think that you were treated unfairly
      • He has a real chip on his shoulder about being adopted.
      have a good head on your shoulders
      to be a sensible person
        (have) an old head on young shoulders
        used to describe a young person who acts in a more sensible way than you would expect for a person of their age
          on somebody’s shoulders
          if blame, guilt, etc. is on somebody’s shoulders, they must take responsibility for it
          • Stop trying to put the blame on somebody else’s shoulders.
          put your shoulder to the wheel
          to start working very hard at a particular task
          • Everyone is going to have to put their shoulder to the wheel.
          rub shoulders with somebody
          to meet and spend time with a famous person, socially or as part of your job
          • He’s rubbing shoulders with stars all the time.
          • She had been rubbing elbows with celebrities.
          a shoulder to cry on
          used to describe a person who listens to your problems and gives you sympathy
          • He was a fatherly shoulder to cry on when things went wrong.
          shoulder to shoulder (with somebody)
          physically close to somebody
          • The large crowd stood shoulder to shoulder in the stands.
          • The route of the procession was lined with police officers standing shoulder to shoulder.
          as one group that has the same aims, opinions, etc.
            straight from the shoulder
            if you say something straight from the shoulder, you are being very honest and direct, even if what you are saying is critical

              Practice with vocabulary shoulder

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. The CEO had to ______ the responsibility of guiding the company through the financial crisis.
              2. After the accident, he needed physical therapy for his injured ______ to regain full mobility.
              3. The new project manager found it challenging to carry the entire ______ of the demanding workload alone.
              4. The weightlifter carefully placed the barbell across his upper ______ before starting the squat.

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

              1. Which of the following describes a part of the human body that connects the arm to the torso and allows a wide range of motion? a) Elbow b) Hip c) Shoulder d) Wrist

              2. To take on a significant responsibility or task often implies that one must: a) Discard the burden b) Shoulder the obligation c) Ignore the consequences d) Decline the challenge

              3. Which of these actions describes taking on a difficult task or a substantial commitment? a) To shirk a duty b) To embrace leisure c) To shoulder a commitment d) To delegate extensively

              4. When a building structure requires additional support to prevent collapse, engineers might recommend installing extra ______ beams. a) decorative b) structural c) auxiliary d) ornamental

              5. A sudden sharp pain in the upper arm, independent of the joint, could indicate a muscle strain in the ______. a) bicep b) forearm c) calf d) shin

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. Original: It is crucial for leaders to accept the burden of guiding their teams through challenging times. Rewrite using "shoulder":

              2. Original: The small, unpaved road at the side of the main highway was often used by cyclists. Rewrite using "shoulder":

              3. Original: After the disappointing news, she felt the need to lean on a trusted friend for comfort and reassurance. Rewrite (do not use "shoulder"):

              Answer:

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. shoulder
              2. shoulder
              3. burden
              4. back

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

              1. c) Shoulder
              2. b) Shoulder the obligation
              3. c) To shoulder a commitment
              4. b) structural, c) auxiliary
              5. a) bicep

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. It is crucial for leaders to shoulder the burden of guiding their teams through challenging times.
              2. The small, unpaved shoulder of the main highway was often used by cyclists.
              3. After the disappointing news, she felt the need to rely on a trusted friend for comfort and reassurance.

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