burden of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burden of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the responsibility or weight that comes with possessing knowledge, often implying that knowledge can lead to challenges or difficulties. Example: "As a scientist, I often feel the burden of knowledge, knowing that my discoveries could have significant implications for society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is a cumulative performance about a burden of knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

Building on this "burden of knowledge" mechanism, this paper first presents six facts about innovator behaviour.

The Economist

Jones, B. F. The burden of knowledge and the death of the renaissance man: is innovation getting harder?

Nature

As the narrator pieces together his parents' leftist activities during the dictatorship, we witness the unravelling of family and nation, and the burden of knowledge that results.

The New Yorker

So I bought some creamy lacy underwear". Adding to the responsibility is the burden of knowledge that she is somehow aiding her boss's infidelities.

The Guardian - Money

One factor in this may be the "burden of knowledge": as ideas accumulate it takes ever longer for new thinkers to catch up with the frontier of their scientific or technical speciality.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I am not trying to shift the burden of prognostic knowledge from the physician to the patient.

The New York Times - Health

Press agents seem not to mind the new system; most profess relief that they no longer have to bear the burden of early knowledge.

The New Yorker

Rather than one person shouldering the burden of absorbing knowledge by passively observing others, I posit that people can more effectively learn through collaborative, two-way interactions with others at work.

Harvard Business Review

What is certain is that for the rest of their lives both Blair and Cameron will carry the burden of the knowledge that they each, by their inexcusable decisions, inflicted immeasurable damage: Blair's measured in loss of life and suffering; Cameron's by the advent of a new era of nationalism.

The Guardian

What was I saying?" Other times Claire's musings are too polished for speech: "In those first weeks in Italy I saw the country through the eyes of Hawthorne's Miriam and imagined bearing her burden of secret knowledge, every sight tinged with the memory of a secret crime".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burden of knowledge" when you want to emphasize the challenges, responsibilities, or negative aspects associated with possessing information. It often implies that knowledge can lead to difficulties or ethical dilemmas.

Common error

While "burden of knowledge" is a valid expression, avoid overusing it. In some contexts, simpler alternatives like "weight of knowing" or "responsibility of awareness" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burden of knowledge" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting the challenges associated with possessing extensive information. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burden of knowledge" refers to the weight or responsibility that comes with possessing information, often implying potential challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase, although relatively uncommon. It is primarily used in News & Media, Science, and Science & Research contexts. Common alternatives include "weight of knowing" and "responsibility of awareness". When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase is grammatically sound, but its impact lies in its ability to convey the complex relationship between knowledge and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The trouble with knowing

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the problems associated with having knowledge.

Weight of knowing

Focuses on the emotional or psychological impact of possessing certain information.

The downside of information

Focuses on the negative aspects or consequences that can arise from having information.

Responsibility of awareness

Highlights the ethical implications and duties that come with being informed.

Curse of expertise

Emphasizes the potential drawbacks of specialized knowledge, such as difficulty communicating with non-experts.

Cognitive load

Focuses on the mental effort required to process information, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

Plight of the informed

Draws attention to the struggles and difficulties faced by those who are well-informed.

Onus of understanding

Stresses the obligation to comprehend complex issues and their consequences.

The informed's dilemma

Highlights the challenges or difficult choices that come with being well-informed.

The cross of cognition

Metaphorically implies that advanced cognitive abilities or knowledge can be a heavy burden.

FAQs

How can I use "burden of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "burden of knowledge" to describe the weight or responsibility that comes with knowing something significant, especially when that knowledge brings challenges or ethical dilemmas. For instance, "The doctor felt the "weight of knowing" her patient's diagnosis was terminal."

What is a similar phrase to "burden of knowledge"?

Alternatives include ""weight of knowing"", "responsibility of awareness", or "curse of expertise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "burden of knowledge" a commonly used phrase?

While not extremely common, "burden of knowledge" is a recognized and usable phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources. Its frequency is considered uncommon.

What does "burden of knowledge" imply?

It implies that having certain knowledge can be a source of stress, responsibility, or ethical conflict. It suggests that ignorance might sometimes be bliss, as knowing the truth can create difficulties.