a formidable burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formidable burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy or challenging responsibility or obligation that someone has to bear. Example: "After taking on multiple projects at work, I realized that I was carrying a formidable burden that was affecting my well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Applicants who claim they were victims of unjust treatment "bear a formidable burden of persuasion," the pardons office says on its Web site.

Huffington Post

The partisan of the slippery slope thus has a formidable burden of argument to take up.

Bioethics

Stroke constitutes a formidable burden of disability for patients, their carers and the community in general and is the third leading cause of death worldwide [ 1].

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This potentially presents a considerable burden to patients, as well as a formidable administrative burden to hard pressed health care professionals.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy and remains a formidable health burden worldwide.

Cancer Imaging

Panic disorder affects many people, is associated with a formidable disease burden, and imposes costs on society.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

He is shy and voluble at the same time... a formidable polemicist burdened with a sensitive soul.... Disagreeing with Jerry on a philosophical issue, especially one dear to his heart can be a chastening experience.... His quickness of mind, inventiveness, and sharp wit are not to be tangled with before your first cup of coffee in the morning.

Wikipedia

Their faces show the relief and lifting of once formidable burdens.

Huffington Post

President Park Geun-hye had promised to provide every elderly citizen with a monthly payment of 200,000 won ($186), but last month she scaled back that pledge.Caring for the elderly is a formidable long-term burden, but South Korea's ageing also poses some more immediate problems.

The Economist

Dengue fever and the more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) represent a formidable and growing health burden, causing an estimated 390 million infections and 500,000 hospitalizations annually.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Notwithstanding the stigmatization associated with obesity, the considerable health implications along with the financial burden it imposes create a formidable adversary.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formidable burden", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: the difficulty, the responsibility, or the impact. Choose synonyms or related phrases that align with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable" too frequently in a single paragraph or document. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "challenging", "significant", or "daunting" in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formidable burden" functions as a noun phrase, where "formidable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "burden". It describes the nature of the burden, emphasizing its difficulty and challenging aspects. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formidable burden" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a particularly difficult or challenging responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, though it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related sources. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose synonyms accordingly to prevent repetition. The phrase is generally considered neutral to formal in register, making it appropriate for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant responsibility

Replaces "burden" with "responsibility", emphasizing duty and accountability rather than difficulty.

a heavy weight to bear

Uses a metaphorical "weight" to represent the burden, highlighting the feeling of being weighed down.

a substantial obligation

Substitutes "burden" with "obligation", focusing on the mandatory nature of the task.

a considerable encumbrance

Replaces both "formidable" and "burden" with synonyms that emphasize the hindering aspect.

a momentous responsibility

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the responsibility.

a major undertaking

Shifts the focus to the effort required, portraying it as a significant project or task.

a demanding task

Highlights the challenging nature of the task, focusing on the effort and skill required.

a critical duty

Highlights the essential and vital nature of the duty.

a tough assignment

Uses a more informal term, "assignment", to describe the difficult undertaking.

a Herculean effort

Alludes to the mythical hero Hercules, emphasizing the immense strength and effort needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formidable burden" to describe a task, responsibility, or challenge that is particularly difficult or demanding. For example: "Navigating the complex legal system proved to be "a formidable burden" for the immigrants."

What are some alternatives to saying "a formidable burden"?

Alternatives include "a significant responsibility", "a heavy weight to bear", or "a substantial obligation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an formidable burden" instead of "a formidable burden"?

No, it is incorrect. "Formidable" begins with a consonant sound, so it should be preceded by the indefinite article "a", not "an".

What's the difference between "a formidable burden" and "a considerable burden"?

"A formidable burden" emphasizes the difficulty and challenging nature of the burden, while "a considerable burden" simply highlights the size or amount of the burden. "Formidable" suggests something more intimidating or difficult to overcome.