a moral burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moral burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ethical implications or responsibilities that weigh heavily on an individual or group. Example: "She felt a moral burden after witnessing the injustice and knew she had to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a piteous and exposing process, and one which places a moral burden on the reader.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not sure the show is aimed at a broad mainstream audience the way network shows are, nor need it carry a moral burden.

The New York Times - Arts

I asked Mickum what he made of Thiessen's recent claim that he had thanked his torturers and credited them with lifting a "moral burden" from his conscience.

Huffington Post

Given the undeniable presence of the poor and needy among us, there is a moral burden on those who would refuse to let the government intervene to explain why governmental help should not be provided and some other approach taken.

Huffington Post

Second, subjects complained about the feeling of being addicted and said that BZD use presented them with a moral burden that limited their autonomy.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In addition to remembering the critical role contraception plays in women's health, I ask my fellow Americans to search their consciences about a REAL moral burden: millions of working poor families are being denied health insurance because of where they live.

Huffington Post

But for the people who do that there's an accumulated moral burden".

Independent

Ford prints it — and prints the facts behind it — and makes a movie about the moral burden of a life lived in the name of a myth and the ethical implications of direct action.

The New Yorker

If deviating from one's own words induces a self-imposed moral burden, the optimal contracting procedure with regard to cheap talk shall assign the responsibility for installing the nonbinding promise in the contract to whoever has the residual right to break such promise, in the spirit of Grossman and Hart (1986) and Hart and Moore (1990).

European Economic Review

But I do expect U.N. officials to act in a way that reflects an idea of the greater moral burden of the international community.

The New Yorker

Sitting down with the white proprietor of a Nashville hot-chicken chain, Chang forces himself, with obvious steeling of will, to ask astonishingly direct questions about the moral burden of a white man profiting from black culture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moral burden" when discussing complex situations involving ethical decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "a moral burden" for trivial matters. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine ethical weight and significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moral burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to an abstract concept representing the weight of ethical responsibility or guilt. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies an ethical implication or a duty that weighs heavily on someone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moral burden" is a noun phrase that conveys a sense of ethical or conscientious responsibility that weighs heavily on someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it's found in reputable sources, primarily within the News & Media and Scientific domains. For similar expression, you can consider phrases like "ethical responsibility" or "moral obligation". Use this phrase when describing situations where ethical considerations significantly impact an individual or group, and avoid it in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical responsibility

Focuses on the ethical obligations rather than the feeling of being weighed down.

moral obligation

Highlights the sense of duty imposed by moral principles.

weight of conscience

Emphasizes the internal struggle and remorse associated with moral decisions.

ethical dilemma

Refers to a situation with conflicting moral choices, rather than a continuous weight.

burden of guilt

Focuses specifically on the feeling of guilt as a heavy weight.

responsibility to act

Highlights the obligation to take action based on moral considerations.

ethical imperative

Highlights the compelling nature of an ethical duty.

sense of accountability

Emphasizes being held responsible for moral choices.

onus of morality

Highlights the responsibility of behaving and acting morally in a specific situation.

demands of morality

Underlines the pressure to make moral and ethical choices in face of difficulty.

FAQs

How can "a moral burden" affect decision-making?

The presence of "a moral burden" can lead to more cautious and thoughtful decision-making, as individuals grapple with the ethical implications of their choices. It may also cause stress and anxiety.

What are some synonyms for "a moral burden"?

You can use alternatives like "ethical responsibility", "moral obligation", or "weight of conscience" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a moral burden" differ from a legal obligation?

"A moral burden" stems from ethical principles and personal conscience, while a legal obligation is enforced by law. They may overlap, but are distinct in their source and enforcement.

Can an individual ever fully alleviate "a moral burden"?

Alleviating "a moral burden" depends on the specific situation. It may involve taking corrective action, seeking forgiveness, or coming to terms with the consequences of past decisions. Complete alleviation isn't always possible.