a hefty burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hefty burden" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation that is difficult to handle or a responsibility that is large in scope. For example: "Having to care for three children while also working full-time was a hefty burden for the single mother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Skincare, sun protection, cosmetics and haircare can add a hefty burden to your carry-on case.

Independent

Her husband's crazy hours and long absences impose a hefty burden on her and on their children.

The Economist

Although royalty rates have come down they are a hefty burden on companies that have attracted customers at such a rate.

The Economist

Now the head coach Joe Schmidt has backed the Leinster player to shoulder a hefty burden, as Ireland chase only their third win in 42 years in Paris.

The Guardian - Sport

The famous sons of rich and famous boxing fathers fight under a hefty burden of expectation and, with the exception of Eubank, do so with a degree of welcome anonymity.

Independent

That leaves 16,000 in use: still a hefty burden for an organisation where the number of regular Sunday worshippers is around 1m.So is the Church of England simply winding up?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Still, the new benefit would cost the government an estimated $150m-200m 150m-200mhefty burden given the costs of rebuilding after Chile's 2010 earthquake.The bill will not be voted on for months while the president's congressional allies negotiate with their opponents—who want to make the law even more generous and water down its few attempts at cost control and labour-market liberalisation.

The Economist

Julie Fisher tackled a hefty load of Massachusetts Archives materials.

Yale University

Perhaps not as important, but worth noting nonetheless, chickenpox represents a hefty economic burden.

The Guardian

But for homeowners who are already having trouble paying their mortgages, the insurance is a hefty additional burden because the bank's insurance is far more expensive than what's available through a commercial vendor.

The New York Times

We'd put it in the "Good" category, except that it still has a hefty debt burden.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hefty burden", consider the specific context. It's most effective when emphasizing a substantial and often unwelcome responsibility or obligation. Replace it with "a heavy load" or "a considerable strain" if you need to soften the tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a hefty burden" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such scenarios, simpler alternatives like "a big responsibility" or "a lot of pressure" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty burden" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. For instance, it can describe something challenging or difficult to manage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty burden" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something substantial and often challenging. While confirmed as usable by Ludwig AI, its application is more common in formal contexts such as news, academia, and professional settings. When choosing this phrase, consider its slightly formal tone and ensure it aligns with the overall context of your writing. For less formal situations, alternatives like "a heavy load" or "a considerable strain" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy load

Uses "load" instead of "burden", highlighting the weight or quantity involved.

a substantial weight

Replaces "burden" with "weight", emphasizing the heaviness and impact.

a crushing weight

Uses "crushing" instead of "hefty" to intensify the sense of pressure and overwhelm.

a considerable strain

Replaces "burden" with "strain", focusing on the pressure or demand created.

an onerous duty

Replaces "hefty burden" with a more formal expression emphasizing the oppressiveness of the duty.

a significant responsibility

Substitutes "burden" with "responsibility", emphasizing the obligation and accountability involved.

a significant encumbrance

Uses "encumbrance", a more formal synonym for burden, to highlight the restrictive nature of the obligation.

a tough obligation

Emphasizes the mandatory nature and difficulty of the duty.

a major challenge

Shifts the focus to the difficulty and complexity of the situation.

a demanding task

Highlights the effort and resources required to manage the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hefty burden" to describe something that is difficult to bear or manage, such as "The new regulations placed a hefty burden on small businesses" or "Caring for aging parents can be a hefty burden".

What phrases are similar to "a hefty burden"?

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

Is "a hefty burden" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a hefty burden" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the significant weight or impact of something. However, ensure that the tone matches the overall context; sometimes, a more neutral term might be preferable.

Can "hefty" be used with other words besides "burden"?

Yes, "hefty" can be used with various other words to indicate a significant size, amount, or impact, such as "a hefty price", "a hefty fine", or "a hefty contribution". It generally implies something substantial and potentially challenging or impactful.