bear a burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear a burden" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to suggest that somebody is taking on a responsibility, accepting a challenge, or feeling a weight of emotion. An example sentence would be: Steve struggled to bear the burden of guilt after his mistake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ultimately he was unable to bear a burden he had never sought to carry.

The Economist

To possess this within the Church is to bear a burden, the necessary burden for the conscious Catholic.

The New Yorker

Fifth Amendment principles support a duty to compensate those singled out to bear a burden that ought to be borne by the public as a whole.

Harvard University

He added that considering "Dr. Lombardo's specific, but undisclosed knowledge that StarCaps contained bumetanide, it is grossly unfair that Deuce, Will, and Charles are the only ones that must bear a burden".

The New York Times - Sports

"This family has to bear a burden that they should not bear," proclaimed Mr. Sharpton, who was back in New York after finishing last in the Wisconsin presidential primary.

The New York Times

In that sense, then, the three suitors bear a burden of proving to AT&T's board that shareholders would gain more from their offers than they would reap if AT&T Broadband were to become independent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A police officer who takes away someone's freedom bears a burden of at least equal gravity to a surgeon.

The New Yorker

Doesn't common sense suggest that when a relationship between two people goes sour, each bears a burden, if not in action then in reaction?

The New York Times

It's not as though the man has lost the ability to feel, rather he bears a burden that does not allow for spontaneous expression.

Independent

That this unraveling is, on the whole, happiness inducing or inevitable (rather than, to date, inexorable) is a proposition that bears a burden of proof not yet met.

Forbes

(As noted earlier, the mere assertion that one's opponent bears a burden of proof is cheap; we're interested in the situation where one side in the debate willingly shoulders the burden).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear a burden", consider the specific type of burden you are describing (emotional, physical, societal) to choose the most appropriate wording. For instance, instead of "bear a burden of guilt", you might say "carry the weight of guilt."

Common error

While "bear a burden" is acceptable, it can sound cliché in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs or more specific nouns to convey the weight of responsibility or hardship. Using more descriptive language provides greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a burden" functions primarily as a verb phrase with a noun, indicating the act of enduring or carrying something difficult. Ludwig confirms that the expression is correct. The phrase signifies acceptance or inevitability of a hardship or duty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear a burden" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to express the act of enduring or carrying something difficult. Ludwig confirms its correctness, highlighting its usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific domains. While the phrase is generally acceptable, considering context-specific alternatives can enhance clarity and impact. Remember to reflect on the nature of the burden and your target audience when deciding whether to use this phrase or explore more precise synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry a weight

Focuses on the feeling of heaviness or responsibility that one is handling.

shoulder a responsibility

Emphasizes the act of taking on a duty or obligation.

endure hardship

Highlights the act of persevering through difficult circumstances.

undergo a trial

Suggests experiencing a difficult situation or test.

withstand pressure

Focuses on resisting or coping with stress or demands.

face adversity

Emphasizes confronting challenging or unfavorable conditions.

cope with adversity

Stresses the act of managing and adapting to difficult situations.

live with the weight

Highlights the ongoing nature of dealing with a difficult or emotional burden.

grapple with a challenge

Focuses on struggling to overcome a difficult task or problem.

suffer the consequences

Emphasizes experiencing the negative results of an action or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "bear a burden" to describe carrying a heavy load, responsibility, or emotional weight. For example, "She had to bear the burden of raising her siblings after her parents passed away."

What can I say instead of "bear a burden"?

You can use alternatives like "carry a weight", "shoulder a responsibility", or "endure hardship" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "bear a burden" or "carry a burden"?

Both "bear a burden" and "carry a burden" are correct, but "carry" is often perceived as more direct and modern, while "bear" can sound more formal or literary. The better choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What is the difference between "bear a burden" and "shoulder a responsibility"?

"Bear a burden" implies enduring something difficult or heavy, whereas "shoulder a responsibility" suggests willingly taking on a duty. The former has a sense of suffering, while the latter highlights agency.