constitute a burden

USAGE SUMMARY

'constitute a burden' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is seen as an unwelcome or difficult responsibility. For example: "The extra tasks accompanying this job constitute a burden that I'm not sure I can handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Second: It may be questioned whether intuitions decisively in favor of moral realism (if any there are) would constitute a burden of proof for the anti-realist.

SEP

Knowing that humans can be massively and systematically mistaken encourages the moral anti-realist to deny that popular opinion in favor of moral realism would constitute a burden he needs to overcome.

SEP

This aspect of the selection process does not appear equitable, given that children in a household constitute a burden that is both financial and material.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Malaria constitutes a burden to all SES groups, though the poorer socio-economic groups were more affected, because a greater proportion of their financial resources compared to their income are spent on treating the disease.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

President Clinton planned to cite the data in arguing that drug costs constitute a growing burden for the elderly and that Congress should pass legislation to reduce the burden.

The New York Times

But taken together, they constitute a crushing burden.

The Economist

AL RAYA, QATAR, JUNE 23 -- "Those terrorists who are carrying out the heartless bombing attacks in Iraq have no connection to the resistance; rather they constitute a heavy burden on the real resistance.

The New York Times

Diseases related to contamination of drinking-water constitute a major burden on human health.

Environmental Systems Research

Ticks and the pathogens they transmit constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide.

Microbes and Infection

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent mental disorders that constitute a major burden on patients and society.

Journal of Affective Disorders

The morbidity, mortality and economic costs associated with this constitute a significant burden on the Australian health system [2].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitute a burden", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is creating the difficulty or hardship. For example, "Excessive regulations constitute a burden for small businesses."

Common error

Avoid vague statements where it's unclear what exactly "constitutes a burden". Be specific to enhance clarity. For example, instead of saying "The situation constitutes a burden", specify "The lack of funding constitutes a significant burden on the project's progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a burden" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is the source of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for describing situations creating unwelcome responsibility, consistent with the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

26%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitute a burden" is used to describe something that creates difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly identify what is causing the burden to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "cause a burden" or "impose a burden" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "constitute a burden" is a reliable way to express that something poses a significant challenge or difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a burden

A simpler, more direct way of stating that something is a burden.

cause a burden

Replaces "constitute" with a direct causal verb. This emphasizes the act of creating the burden.

create a burden

Focuses on the act of bringing the burden into existence.

impose a burden

Suggests a more forceful or authoritative placement of the burden.

form a burden

Similar to 'create a burden', but might suggest a more gradual formation.

become a burden

Indicates a transition where something evolves into a burden over time.

present a burden

Highlights the burden as something that is evident or noticeable.

prove a burden

Implies that something has been shown or recognized to be a burden.

constitute a strain

Substitutes "burden" with "strain", indicating a pressure or demand.

involve a burden

Indicates that a burden is a component or consequence of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a burden" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute a burden" to describe something that creates difficulty or hardship. For example, "The new taxes "constitute a burden" on low-income families."

What are some alternatives to "constitute a burden"?

Alternatives include "cause a burden", "impose a burden", or "present a burden", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "constitute a burden" than "is a burden"?

"Constitute a burden" is generally more formal than "is a burden". The former is often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts, while the latter is suitable for everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "constitute a burden" and "create a burden"?

"Constitute a burden" suggests that something inherently forms or comprises a burden, while "create a burden" emphasizes the act of bringing a burden into existence. For example, regulations might "constitute a burden", while poor planning might "create a burden".