burdensome request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burdensome request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a request that is considered to be overly demanding or difficult to fulfill. Example: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but that sounds like a burdensome request given our current workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a consequence, a virtually unlimited number of different nanomaterials can be identified, which may result in a burdensome request for a large amount of toxicological data for regulatory hazard assessment.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And anecdotal evidence suggests that electronic record keeping, which has increased the paper trail left by scientists, is making it easier for members of the public to file overly broad and burdensome requests, the UCS report finds.

Science Magazine

Reasons for withdrawal could include a breach of security or scandal, negative news media about the research, changes to a participant's health status, burdensome requests from researchers, and negative responses from peers [ 31].

BMC Medical Genomics

The judges asked to rule on motions to compel information must reject unfairly burdensome discovery requests.

The New York Times

Other rationales for not returning data include concerns regarding misuse of data as a clinical tool, and potentially burdensome participant requests for assistance with data interpretation.

Genome Medicine

If the bank finds your request burdensome, it may ask you to pay for copying charges associated with copying the records.

WikiHow

But now, he adds, trial lawyers are making burdensome electronic discovery requests as a ploy to gain settlement leverage and if the data can't be retrieved to make it look like there's a cover-up.

Forbes

Avenatti's lawyers called the requests 'unduly burdensome and oppressive' and said the demand for tax returns 'violates the right to financial privacy.'" And in July, the judge assigned to his divorce proceedings scolded the 2020 hopeful for not handing over his tax returns and other financial documents.

Vice

He anticipates that the request could be "burdensome," but also informative.

The New York Times

At a hearing on March 27, government attorneys said my request was "remarkably burdensome" and "broad," and they proposed an "alternative" solution.

Vice

In a letter dated September 17, Cecil Watkins, the Rowan County attorney, said our request was too burdensome due to the volume of communications.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "burdensome request", be specific about why it is difficult to fulfill. Detailing the resources, time, or effort required can help others understand the scale of the demand.

Common error

While "burdensome" is a valid adjective, avoid using it as a generic descriptor for any request you dislike. Provide specific reasons why the request is difficult or time-consuming to fulfill. Otherwise, consider alternatives like "complex request" or "demanding request".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burdensome request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "burdensome" modifies the noun "request". It describes a request that is difficult to fulfill or presents a significant challenge. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's often used in professional and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burdensome request" accurately describes a demand that is difficult or challenging to fulfill. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, especially news, science, and formal business settings. While synonyms like "onerous demand" or "cumbersome requirement" exist, "burdensome request" is a straightforward and widely understood way to express the imposition of a demanding requirement. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide context about the specific reasons why the request is burdensome to ensure clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

onerous demand

Replaces "burdensome" with "onerous", emphasizing the oppressive nature of the demand.

onerous requisition

Combines "onerous" and "requisition", emphasizing the heavy and formal aspect of the demand.

oppressive demand

Emphasizes the suppressive nature of the demand by using the adjective "oppressive".

heavy imposition

Shifts from "request" to "imposition", highlighting the forceful nature of the demand.

cumbersome requirement

Substitutes "request" with "requirement" and "burdensome" with "cumbersome", focusing on the inconvenient and complicated aspect.

demanding imposition

Highlights the demanding aspect of the imposition rather than its difficult nature.

excessive requisition

Uses "requisition" instead of "request", suggesting a formal or official demand that is seen as too much.

difficult proposition

Replaces the concrete "request" with the more abstract "proposition", softening the directness.

taxing claim

Replaces "request" with "claim", portraying the demand as an assertion that puts a strain on resources.

troublesome plea

Softens the demand to a "plea", but still emphasizes the trouble it causes using the adjective "troublesome".

FAQs

How can I politely decline a "burdensome request"?

Acknowledge the request, explain why you cannot fulfill it at this time (due to workload, resources, etc.), and, if possible, offer an alternative solution or timeline. For example: "I understand the importance of this, but due to my current commitments, I won't be able to address it immediately. Perhaps we can revisit this in [timeframe], or I can suggest [alternative solution]".

What are some formal synonyms for "burdensome request"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "onerous demand", "cumbersome requirement", or "demanding imposition". These options convey a sense of difficulty and imposition while maintaining a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "burdensome request"?

It's appropriate when the request places a significant strain on resources, time, or effort. Ensure your assessment is objective and justified. Simply disliking a task doesn't automatically make it a "burdensome request".

Is there a difference between a "burdensome request" and an "excessive request"?

While similar, "burdensome request" emphasizes the difficulty in fulfilling the request, whereas an "excessive request" focuses on the quantity or scope being beyond reasonable limits. An excessive request may be burdensome, but a request can be burdensome without necessarily being excessive in quantity.