are overburdened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are overburdened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing excessive stress or workload. Example: "The employees are overburdened with tasks and deadlines, leading to decreased productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our taxpayers are overburdened.

The New York Times

Services and infrastructure, already creaking, are overburdened.

The Economist

These ports are overburdened and underfinanced.

The New York Times

Here, shelves are overburdened with research materials.

The Guardian

The budgets of regional governments also are overburdened by pensions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But shelters in Westchester are overburdened as it is.

The New York Times

When the workload on the courts increases, naturally lawyers are overburdened.

The New York Times

Firms and householders are overburdened with debts, some of which are indexed to inflation.

The Economist

Because of its high proportion of school-age citizens, Bangkok's educational facilities are overburdened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At present, some cannot find any well-paying work, while others are overburdened with it.

The Guardian - Money

Animal groups urge pet owners who are overburdened to contact the agencies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are overburdened" to clearly communicate that a system, person, or resource is experiencing excessive strain or workload. Ensure the context provides clear indicators of the specific burdens involved.

Common error

While "are overburdened" is widely applicable, it can sound overly formal or technical in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are overwhelmed" or "are stressed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are overburdened" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's employed to portray entities or systems enduring excessive strain. The examples provided show it qualifying entities such as hospitals, schools, and individuals, indicating they are bearing an excessive workload.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are overburdened" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase, according to Ludwig AI, indicating that something or someone is experiencing excessive strain or workload. It's most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that it aligns with the formal tone. Alternatives include "are overwhelmed" or "are overloaded" for less formal settings. Remember to avoid overusing it in casual conversations to maintain appropriate tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are heavily burdened

Direct synonym, emphasizing the weight of the burden.

are overwhelmed

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by the amount of work or stress, rather than just being burdened.

are overloaded

Focuses on the excess of tasks or information, suggesting a system or individual is carrying more than it can handle.

are stretched to the limit

Highlights the idea of resources or capacity being used to their maximum extent.

are under immense pressure

Stresses the psychological aspect of being burdened, focusing on the stress and strain experienced.

are facing excessive demands

Highlights the high level of requirements being placed on someone or something.

are struggling to cope

Emphasizes the difficulty in managing the workload or pressure.

are working beyond their capacity

Highlights the fact that someone or something is exceeding their normal or expected limits.

are maxed out

An informal way to say that resources or capacity are completely full or used up.

are at full capacity

Indicates that there is no more room or ability to take on additional tasks or responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "are overburdened" in a sentence?

You can use "are overburdened" to describe systems, people, or resources experiencing excessive strain. For example, "The city's hospitals "are overburdened" due to the recent surge in cases."

What can I say instead of "are overburdened"?

You can use alternatives like "are overwhelmed", "are overloaded", or "are stretched thin" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are overburdened" or "are overwhelmed"?

Both phrases are correct, but "are overburdened" is more formal and often used in technical or professional contexts. "Are overwhelmed" is more general and can be used in broader contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "overburdened"?

When something is described as "overburdened", it means it is carrying an excessive load or experiencing more strain than it can comfortably handle. This can apply to workloads, resources, systems, or individuals.