a heavy burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a heavy burden' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult responsibility or problem that someone is facing. For example: "The ongoing stress of caring for a sick relative is a heavy burden for many families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is still a heavy burden.

The Economist

That's such a heavy burden".

The Guardian

"Strict scrutiny is a heavy burden.

The Guardian

"I'm finding it quite a heavy burden".

Independent

Nebraska carried a heavy burden into last night's game.

The New York Times - Sports

The director places a heavy burden on young Ms. Ferland.

The New York Times

"His inheritance is a heavy burden," Superdeporte wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

The Cubans were also bearing a heavy burden.

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, EMI is shouldering a heavy burden.

The New York Times

His passing lifted a heavy burden, she said.

The New York Times

"It's going to be a heavy burden," Mr. Waxman said.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy burden", consider the specific aspect of the burden you want to emphasize: its weight, difficulty, or the responsibility it entails. Choose related phrases that reflect this specific nuance.

Common error

While "a heavy burden" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "onerous task" or "significant responsibility" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes something that is difficult to bear or manage, and is considered a weight or responsibility. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its varied application across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a heavy burden" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a difficult responsibility or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express the weight or difficulty associated with a task or situation, commonly found in neutral to formal contexts such as news and media. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse by substituting it with synonyms like "onerous task" or "significant responsibility". Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility across various domains, reinforcing its status as a widely understood and readily applicable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A heavy weight

Uses a different metaphor to describe the burden.

An oppressive burden

Suggests a more severe and overwhelming feeling of being burdened.

A considerable strain

Focuses more on the pressure or effort involved.

A crippling load

Indicates the burden is so heavy that it restricts movement or progress.

A significant responsibility

Highlights the importance and accountability associated with the task.

A challenging duty

Focuses on the difficulty presented by the duty.

A major obligation

Emphasizes the binding nature of the duty.

A difficult undertaking

Highlights the complexity and effort required.

An onerous task

Implies that the job is particularly unpleasant or difficult.

A substantial encumbrance

Presents a more formal and legalistic perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heavy burden" to describe something that is difficult to bear or a responsibility that is hard to manage. For example, "The responsibility of caring for her aging parents was "a heavy burden"".

What phrases are similar to "a heavy burden"?

Similar phrases include "a considerable strain", "a significant responsibility", or "an onerous task". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a heavy burden" formal or informal?

"A heavy burden" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.

Can "a heavy burden" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a heavy burden" can describe abstract concepts such as guilt, responsibility, or debt. For instance, "The weight of expectation became "a heavy burden" for the young athlete".