a burden on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a burden on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is being weighed down or overwhelmed by a certain circumstance. For example, "The amount of debt they have accumulated is a burden on their entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is obviously a burden on speech, and one that need never have been imposed.

Stanford University

It was a burden on us.

The New York Times

Are deficits a "burden on future generations?

Princeton University

"It will be a burden on Iraqis".

The New York Times

"It becomes a burden on the taxpayers.

The New Yorker

Inaction imposes a burden on consumers.

The New York Times

They're a burden on the resources".

The New York Times

Are they a burden on taxpayers too?

The Guardian

It's a burden on the army.

The Guardian

Rather, these increased limits create a burden on living artists.

Harvard University

It puts a burden on the full-time staff".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a burden on", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what or who is bearing the burden. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague statements where it's unclear what is actually experiencing the burden. Instead of saying "the project was a burden on everyone", specify who was burdened: "the project was a burden on the project managers, due to the tight deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burden on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a verb like 'is', 'places', or 'creates'. It serves to identify something or someone as causing difficulty, strain, or hardship for another entity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a burden on" is a versatile expression used to describe something that causes difficulty, hardship, or strain. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. When using "a burden on", it's crucial to clearly identify what or who is experiencing the burden to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "a strain on", "a weight on", and "a drain on" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with subtle differences in nuance. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "a burden on" in your writing to convey the intended meaning with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strain on

Focuses on the pressure or stress caused.

a weight on

Emphasizes the heaviness or oppressiveness.

a drain on

Highlights the depletion of resources.

an encumbrance to

More formal, suggesting an impediment.

a hindrance to

Focuses on obstruction or delay.

a liability for

Highlights the responsibility or obligation aspect.

a disadvantage to

Emphasizes the unfavorable position created.

an imposition on

Suggests something being forced or inflicted.

a hardship for

Focuses on the suffering or difficulty caused.

an onus on

Stresses the duty or responsibility to deal with something.

FAQs

How can I use "a burden on" in a sentence?

Use "a burden on" to describe something that causes difficulty, hardship, or strain. For instance, "The high cost of living is "a burden on" many families", or "The outdated infrastructure is "a burden on" the city's resources".

What phrases are similar to "a burden on"?

Similar phrases include "a strain on", "a weight on", and "a drain on". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a burden for" instead of "a burden on"?

While "a burden for" might be used in some contexts, "a burden on" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. It's generally safer to stick with "a burden on" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

What is the difference between "a burden on" and "an obligation to"?

"A burden on" implies a negative impact or strain, while "an obligation to" refers to a duty or responsibility. For example, "The debt is "a burden on" the economy", but "We have an obligation to help those in need".