be burdened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be burdened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being weighed down by a responsibility, problem, or emotional distress. Example: "Many people feel they must be burdened by the expectations of others, which can lead to stress and anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They'd be burdened.

The New York Times

Be burdened no more!

The New York Times

At least they won't be burdened by expectations.

The New York Times

"It's unfortunate, because my daughter doesn't need to be burdened.

The New York Times

To be ashamed is to be burdened, irritated, resentful.

The New Yorker

Do not, for once, be burdened by concerns about cash.

The New York Times - Style

"You can be burdened by too much research," she said.

The New York Times

Maybe you will be burdened by other circumstances beyond your control.

The New York Times - Arts

To be abruptly lightened like that, so that one's descendants might not be burdened!

The New Yorker

How many women need to be burdened for the law to be struck down statewide?

The New Yorker

The United States will be burdened with immense debts, the protesters say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be burdened" when you want to emphasize the state of being weighed down by something, whether it's a responsibility, a worry, or a physical load. The passive voice can subtly shift the focus from the actor to the recipient of the burden.

Common error

While "be burdened" is grammatically sound, excessively using the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives like "weigh down" or "saddle" to create a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be burdened" functions as a passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use to describe a state of being weighed down by responsibilities, expectations, or problems. It emphasizes the recipient of the burden rather than the source.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be burdened" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the state of being weighed down by something, whether it’s a tangible load or an abstract responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly appears in diverse contexts, with a significant presence in news, scientific, and business sources. When writing, consider the nuance it provides – a passive experience of carrying weight. If more emphasis is needed, active alternatives like "weigh down" or "saddle" can deliver a more direct and impactful message. Remember that "be burdened with" and "be burdened by" differ slightly in application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be weighed down

This alternative directly implies a heavy weight, either physical or metaphorical, similar to being burdened.

carry a burden

Focuses on the act of bearing a load or responsibility, instead of just being affected by it.

be saddled with

Implies being assigned an unwanted or onerous task or responsibility.

be encumbered by

Highlights the restrictive nature of the burden, suggesting it hinders movement or progress.

be oppressed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being heavily weighed down, often with negative emotional connotations.

be loaded with

Suggests being filled or covered with a heavy amount, focusing on quantity.

be afflicted with

Implies suffering from a condition or problem, carrying a strong negative connotation.

be troubled by

Indicates being disturbed or worried by something, focusing on the mental or emotional impact.

labor under

Suggests working or struggling under a difficult condition or responsibility.

be taxed by

Implies being strained or exhausted by something, often referring to resources or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "be burdened" in a sentence?

You can use "be burdened" to describe someone or something that is carrying a heavy load, responsibility, or problem. For example: "The company shouldn't "be burdened" with unrealistic overhead and charges."

What are some alternatives to "be burdened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be weighed down", "carry a burden", or "be saddled with".

Is it better to say "be burdened" or "carry a burden"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "carry a burden" implies a more active role, while ""be burdened"" suggests a more passive experience of being affected by something.

What's the difference between "be burdened with" and "be burdened by"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "be burdened with" is generally used when referring to specific responsibilities or tasks, while "be burdened by" is used for general problems or emotional weights.