can be onerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be onerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is burdensome or difficult to manage. Example: "The paperwork required for the application can be onerous, often deterring applicants from proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Those positions can be onerous.

The New York Times - Arts

"The process can be onerous and tedious," Mr. Nightingale said.

The New York Times - Tech

The costs of unwinding swaps can be onerous.

The New York Times

The small details can be onerous -- and cannot be overlooked.

The New York Times

Also taking on debt to fund business can be onerous.

The Guardian - Money

Languages specifically engineered out of some political or theoretical conviction, on the other hand, can be onerous to speak.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Being the fastest human being who ever lived can still be onerous.

BBC

Yet logging on can sometimes be onerous, and pricing is likely to be expensive and opaque.

The New York Times

Regulations can still be onerous: energy companies now face more of them on electricity supply than they did in the past.

The Economist

The burden of disclosure on the prosecution can, admittedly, be onerous and this is not matched by similar obligations on the defence.

The Economist

But when they are enforced the consequences can be more onerous than it may appear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be onerous", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the burden or difficulty. Be specific about the source of the challenge to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can be onerous" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be hard" or "can be tough" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be onerous" functions as a descriptive phrase. It typically serves to qualify a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the subject possesses the quality of being burdensome or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard grammatical practice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be onerous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe tasks or situations that are burdensome or difficult. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", the phrase is considered to be of neutral to formal register. While "onerous" isn't an everyday word, the phrase serves well to emphasize the weight or difficulty involved, with alternatives such as "can be burdensome" or "can be taxing" offering simpler options. When writing, ensure the source of the burden is clear and consider the formality of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be burdensome

Replaces "onerous" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

can be arduous

Replaces "onerous" with another formal synonym, indicating strenuous effort.

can be difficult

Simplifies the wording while retaining the core meaning of hardship.

can be taxing

Substitutes "onerous" with "taxing", emphasizing the draining aspect.

can be demanding

Highlights the high requirements or effort involved.

can prove challenging

Shifts the focus to the potential for difficulty.

can be troublesome

Indicates potential problems or complications.

can present difficulties

Emphasizes the obstacles that may arise.

can create hardship

Focuses on the potential for causing difficult conditions.

can involve great effort

Highlights the significant exertion required.

FAQs

How can I use "can be onerous" in a sentence?

Use "can be onerous" to describe tasks, processes, or situations that are burdensome or difficult. For example, "The application process "can be onerous" due to the extensive paperwork required."

What can I say instead of "can be onerous"?

You can use alternatives like "can be burdensome", "can be difficult", or "can be taxing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be onerous" or "can be a onus"?

"Can be onerous" is correct. "Onus" is a noun meaning a burden or responsibility, while "onerous" is an adjective meaning burdensome or difficult. The phrase "can be a onus" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be onerous" and "can be challenging"?

"Can be onerous" implies a sense of being burdensome or oppressive, while "can be challenging" suggests that something requires effort and skill to overcome. "Onerous" emphasizes the weight or difficulty, whereas "challenging" highlights the stimulation of problem solving.