considerable baggage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable baggage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of emotional or psychological issues that someone carries with them, often from past experiences. Example: "After years of therapy, she finally began to unpack the considerable baggage from her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But Chrysler carries considerable baggage.

The New York Times

But he will arrive with considerable baggage.

The New York Times - Sports

Canned tuna has become a kitchen staple with considerable baggage.

The New York Times - Food

Being his father's son may be a draw abroad, attracting curious listeners, but at home in Nigeria, it comes with considerable baggage.

The New York Times - Arts

If I'd used a name that was familiar [in ' connection with "The Legend of Alderley"] considerable baggage would have come with it".

Independent

The girls there, in addition to the drugs and cigarettes and "sharps" they smuggle in, also bring to school their considerable baggage.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Trump's closest allies come with considerable political baggage.

The Guardian

Players as diverse as the bullish David Warner and the complex Mitchell Johnson brought considerable psychological baggage on their return.

The Guardian - Sport

Ninety minutes later, Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards showed up for a news conference in the same room lugging only his considerable personal baggage.

The New York Times

Moreover, unlike Perry and Cain, Gingrich can't expect a free ride from the conservative media, who recall all too well his dreadful speakership and considerable personal baggage.

The Washington Post

But the Mavericks carry considerable playoff baggage, and any talk of a title around Dallas always goes back to 2006, when the Mavericks blew a 2-0 leagainstnsthehe Miami Heat, losing the next four games even as word leaked of the city making plans for a victory parade.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable baggage" to describe non-physical burdens, such as past experiences, unresolved issues, or controversies that affect a person, organization, or concept. Ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to abstract burdens rather than literal luggage.

Common error

Avoid using "considerable baggage" in contexts where literal luggage is being discussed. It's a figurative expression, and using it literally can lead to misunderstandings or unintended humor. For example, do not say "The traveler arrived with considerable baggage at the airport."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable baggage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing intangible burdens associated with individuals, entities, or concepts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Sports

11%

Books

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerable baggage" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a significant amount of non-physical burdens or negative associations. Ludwig's analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's best to use it in contexts that refer to abstract burdens, ensuring clarity and avoiding literal interpretations, as indicated by the Ludwig AI. Related phrases include "substantial burden" or "history of problems", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning. Overall, "considerable baggage" is a useful expression for describing complex situations and challenging pasts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial burden

Replaces "baggage" with "burden", emphasizing the weight or difficulty.

heavy load

Uses a more direct metaphor of carrying something heavy.

significant drawback

Focuses on the negative aspect as a disadvantage.

notable disadvantage

Highlights the negative aspect as a clear disadvantage.

major impediment

Emphasizes the hindering effect of the baggage.

serious encumbrance

A more formal way of expressing a hindrance or burden.

history of problems

A straightforward way of stating that there have been past issues.

troubled past

Highlights past problems or difficulties.

legacy of issues

Focuses on the lasting impact of problems from the past.

complex history

Softens the negativity by focusing on past events shaping the present.

FAQs

How can I use "considerable baggage" in a sentence?

You can use "considerable baggage" to describe non-physical burdens or issues affecting a person, situation, or entity. For example: "The candidate entered the race with "significant drawback" from past controversies."

What is a good alternative to "considerable baggage"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "substantial burden", "heavy load", or "history of problems" as alternatives to "considerable baggage".

Is "considerable baggage" a formal or informal expression?

"Considerable baggage" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. It's less appropriate for very informal settings.

What kind of things can be described as having "considerable baggage"?

People (due to past actions or experiences), political candidates (due to controversies), companies (due to financial issues or scandals), and even concepts (due to negative associations) can be said to have "considerable baggage".