burdened with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burdened with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person as carrying a heavy emotional, physical, or psychological burden. For example: "He was burdened with the guilt of his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women were still burdened with domestic drudgery.

The Economist

Myanmar is burdened with antiquated laws.

The New York Times

Her music now comes burdened with expectations.

The New York Times - Arts

We are burdened with hindsight.

The New York Times - Books

I don't feel burdened with expectation.

The Guardian - Music

"We're not burdened with debt," he said.

The New York Times

Nor are they as burdened with crippling debt.

The New York Times

Banks are wobbly, burdened with huge quantities of bad loans.

The Economist

Few place names are as burdened with history as Soweto.

The New York Times

He added: "Banks burdened with bad loans lend less".

The Guardian - Money

His father is burdened with a "great lonesomeness".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "burdened with", ensure the subject is clearly identified and the burden is explicitly stated to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid vague or ambiguous references to what is causing the burden. Be specific about the source of the weight, be it debt, grief, responsibility, etc., to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burdened with" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, describing a subject that is carrying a literal or figurative weight. As Ludwig indicates, it signifies being encumbered by something significant. The examples provided show its use across varied contexts, from emotional burdens to tangible obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burdened with" is a versatile phrase used to describe the state of carrying a significant weight, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like ""saddled with"" and "encumbered by" exist, "burdened with" maintains a distinct nuance, often emphasizing emotional or psychological weight. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the burden's source to maximize impact and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saddled with

Implies being given an unwanted responsibility or problem.

encumbered by

Suggests being hampered or weighed down by something, often physically or metaphorically.

weighed down by

Emphasizes the heaviness or oppressiveness of something, often emotional or psychological.

hampered by

Focuses on the hindrance or obstruction caused by something.

laden with

Suggests being heavily filled or loaded, often with a positive or neutral connotation.

overwhelmed by

Implies being overcome or overpowered by something, often emotionally or mentally.

afflicted with

Suggests suffering from a disease or ailment.

troubled by

Highlights the worry or distress caused by something.

beset by

Implies being persistently attacked or harassed by something.

stuck with

Suggests being forced to accept or deal with something undesirable.

FAQs

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

Use "burdened with" to describe someone or something carrying a heavy load, either physically or emotionally. For example, "The company was "saddled with" debt after the failed project."

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

"Burdened with" often implies an emotional or psychological weight, while "encumbered by" can refer to physical or logistical hindrances. Both suggest being weighed down, but the nuance differs based on the context.

What are some alternatives to "burdened with"?

Alternatives include "weighed down by", ""saddled with"", "hampered by", or "laden with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "burdened with" to describe an inanimate object?

Yes, it is acceptable. You can say "The old house was "burdened with" history" or "The algorithm is "burdened with" high complexity". The phrase is not limited to describing people.