a great burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant weight or responsibility that someone feels they must carry, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After losing her job, she felt a great burden of financial stress weighing down on her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That "purpose" might be considered a great burden for Robert and Gianna.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly it seemed that a great burden had been lifted from the stable.

The New York Times - Sports

He was hunched forward as he approached the microphone, as if shouldering a great burden.

The New Yorker

You could call anything art, and a great burden was lifted.

The Guardian - Arts

A brilliant talent-spotter, he found composition himself a great burden and took ages to read an article.

The Guardian

I had waited so long for the NATO jets that I felt like a great burden had suddenly been lifted.

The New York Times - Magazine

This would put a great burden on doctors but it is not clear that they have the balance right now.

The Guardian

Our system puts a great burden on our companies and actually discourages them from hiring full-time employees.

The New York Times

Tropical disease results in a great burden of critical illness.

Journal of Critical Care

"It put a great burden on the scientific community".

Science Magazine

The explosive growth of information has brought a great burden for signal processing and storage.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great burden" to describe abstract concepts like guilt, responsibility, or societal issues, not just physical weights. For example, "The secret was a great burden on her conscience".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "a great burden" in very informal conversation can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Opt for simpler terms like "a lot of stress" or "a big responsibility" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great burden" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something substantial and difficult to bear, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great burden" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is difficult to bear, be it a responsibility, a problem, or an emotional weight. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is found most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts and maintains a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of the emotional impact of the phrase and consider alternative expressions like "a heavy load" or "a significant weight" to fine-tune the intended meaning. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overuse in informal conversation can sound unnatural. This ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy load

Emphasizes the weightiness and difficulty of the responsibility or problem.

a significant weight

Highlights the substantial impact or importance of the obligation.

a considerable strain

Focuses on the pressure and tension caused by the demanding situation.

a substantial responsibility

Directly addresses the accountability and duties involved.

a major obligation

Underscores the binding nature and importance of the requirement.

a formidable challenge

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the task or problem.

an onerous task

Emphasizes the unpleasant and laborious nature of the undertaking.

a crushing weight

Intensifies the feeling of being overwhelmed by the burden.

a heavy cross to bear

Conveys a sense of suffering and endurance in dealing with the burden.

a troublesome encumbrance

Implies something that hinders progress or freedom due to its weight or complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great burden" to describe something that causes significant difficulty, worry, or responsibility. For example, "The cost of healthcare can be "a great burden" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "a great burden"?

Some alternatives to "a great burden" include "a heavy load", "a significant weight", or "a considerable strain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a great burden" or "a huge burden"?

"A great burden" and "a huge burden" are both correct and similar in meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence. "Huge" might be slightly more informal.

Can "a great burden" refer to something positive?

While "a great burden" usually refers to something negative or challenging, it can occasionally describe a responsibility that is taken on willingly, even if it's difficult. However, this usage is less common. For example, "She felt that caring for her sick mother was "a great duty" and also "a great burden".