burdened by

USAGE SUMMARY

"burdened by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of having a heavy load or responsibility. For example, "The manager was burdened by the added workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think he is burdened by it.

The New Yorker

But both were burdened by inconsistent protection.

The New York Times - Sports

Business is burdened by rigidities and regulations.

The Economist

Are they not burdened by student loans?

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were almost burdened by our history.

The New York Times

They are not burdened by doubt.

The New York Times - Magazine

You never feel burdened by it, though?

The New York Times

He is clearly burdened by his writing.

The Guardian - Books

Households are burdened by rising debt levels.

The New York Times

The whole programme seems burdened by a terribly cumbersome bureaucracy.

Independent

Burdened by these antibodies, the viruses cannot enter cells.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burdened by" when you want to convey a sense of being weighed down, either literally or figuratively, by responsibilities, problems, or obligations. It effectively communicates the impact of a heavy load on someone or something.

Common error

While "burdened by" is often used in passive constructions, avoid overuse, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burdened by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being weighed down or encumbered by something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burdened by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being weighed down, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and formal writing. When using "burdened by", consider whether alternatives like "weighed down by" or "encumbered by" might better suit the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overusing passive constructions for stronger writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighed down by

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the feeling of heaviness or oppression.

encumbered by

Focuses on the hindrance or obstruction caused by something.

hampered by

Highlights the restrictive or impeding nature of the burden.

saddled with

Implies an unwanted or unwelcome burden, often a responsibility.

oppressed by

Suggests a feeling of being heavily suppressed or controlled.

constrained by

Emphasizes the limitations or restrictions imposed by something.

under the weight of

A more figurative way of expressing the feeling of being burdened.

struggling with

Focuses on the effort required to cope with the burden.

beset by

Highlights the constant or persistent nature of the burden.

grappling with

Suggests an active engagement in trying to overcome the burden.

FAQs

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

You can use "burdened by" to describe someone or something carrying a heavy load, either physical or emotional. For example, "The company was burdened by debt" or "He felt burdened by the responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "burdened by"?

Alternatives include "weighed down by", "encumbered by", or "saddled with". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "burdened by" or "burdened with"?

"Burdened by" is generally preferred when referring to intangible burdens like responsibilities or emotions. "Burdened with" is more suitable for physical burdens or objects, although "burdened by" is often acceptable in both contexts.

What is the difference between "burdened by" and "oppressed by"?

"Burdened by" suggests a heavy load or responsibility. "Oppressed by", on the other hand, implies a more forceful suppression or control. "Oppressed by" often refers to systematic or unjust treatment.