a heavy charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a heavy charge" is a correct and usable phrase when writing in English.
You can use it in situations where you are talking about a large amount of money or responsibility. For example, "The company was facing a heavy charge due to the amount of taxes they had to pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He sustained broken ribs in a heavy charge from an opposing forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Electrocution, method of execution in which the condemned person is subjected to a heavy charge of electric current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Blunder is a heavy charge, a synonym for "strategic misjudgment" that can lead to military or political defeat.

The New York Times - Magazine

What he mainly paints are low-life night scenes, which carry a heavy charge of kinky eroticism.

The Guardian - Arts

We dance around the word "racist" a lot, because calling someone a racist is a heavy charge that's often nearly impossible to prove.

The Washington Post

Not a heavy charge; both meanings of blooper elicit an apologetic "whoops!" It is one step short of a goof, which is "a silly misstep".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Also, since a fast electron has a much smaller mass than a heavy charged particle, it is much more easily deflected along its path.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As compared with a heavy charged particle, the distance traveled by the fast electron is many times greater for an equivalent initial energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because a fast electron will travel perhaps 100 times as far in a given material as a heavy charged particle with the same initial energy, its energy is much less densely deposited along its track.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Pondering how such a heavy, charged particle as the alpha could be turned by electrostatic attraction or repulsion through such a large angle, Rutherford conceived in 1911 that the atom could not be a uniform solid but rather consisted mostly of empty space, with its mass concentrated in a tiny nucleus.

Britannica

In the southern part of the Fort, Objective No. 18, an artillery observation casemate housing three 75mm artillery pieces was damaged with a light demolition charge and then permanently destroyed with a heavier charge, which collapsed the casemate's observation dome and part of the roof of the Fort itself.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy charge", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a financial burden, a serious accusation, or a significant responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy charge" in ambiguous situations. Clarify the type of burden being described to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy charge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it typically signifies a substantial burden, be it financial, legal, or moral.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy charge" is a noun phrase that signifies a substantial burden, be it financial, legal, or moral. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Its usage is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide context to specify the type of burden being referenced. While "a heavy charge" is a valid and understandable phrase, consider alternatives such as "a serious accusation" or "a significant expense" for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious accusation

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the charge.

a grave allegation

Similar to "a serious accusation", but carries a more formal or legal tone.

a substantial burden

Focuses on the weight or difficulty associated with the charge or responsibility.

a severe penalty

Highlights the punitive aspect of the charge.

a significant expense

Highlights the financial aspect of the charge, suggesting a large cost.

a considerable responsibility

Shifts the focus to the duty or obligation implied by the charge.

a major liability

Focuses on the potential legal or financial risks associated with the charge.

a hefty fine

Specifically refers to a large monetary penalty.

an onerous task

Emphasizes the difficulty and demanding nature of the responsibility.

a crushing debt

Specifically refers to a financial burden that is difficult to overcome.

FAQs

What does "a heavy charge" mean?

The phrase "a heavy charge" can refer to a substantial financial cost, a serious accusation, or a significant responsibility. The meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

When should I use "a heavy charge"?

Use "a heavy charge" when you want to emphasize the weight or seriousness of a cost, accusation, or responsibility. For instance, "The company faced "a hefty fine" after the audit."

Are there alternatives to saying "a heavy charge"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a serious accusation", "a substantial burden", or "a significant expense".

How can I avoid misusing "a heavy charge"?

To avoid misuse, make sure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning of "a heavy charge". If there's a risk of ambiguity, opt for a more specific phrase like "a considerable responsibility" or "a hefty fine".