double burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"double burden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone has two tasks or responsibilities that are both difficult or time-consuming. For example: The parents of the two young children must bear a double burden, caring for their children while working full-time jobs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Female athletes have a double burden.

The New York Times - Sports

Just worthwhile, with its double burden of labor and reward.

The New Yorker

Women discovered that equality meant a double burden".

The New York Times

Women face a double burden, labouring outside and returning to housework, said Park.

The Guardian

While holding out the promise of reductions in violent crime, these initiatives impose a double burden.

The Guardian - Opinion

For one thing, that would impose a double burden on the current working generation.

The Economist

The NDC model dodges this "double burden" on the working generation.

The Economist

"These fast food CEOs are a double burden on taxpayers," says Sarah Anderson, author of the IPS report.

The Guardian - Money

There is a prevailing myth that the African extended family will cope with this double burden of care.

The New York Times

This imposed a double burden to fight against enemy forces and to protest against the "friendly fire" of racial prejudice.

The New York Times

Helmand has struggled with the double burden of being one of the world's largest opium producers and an insurgent stronghold.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "double burden" to clearly and concisely convey the presence of two significant difficulties or responsibilities affecting an individual or group.

Common error

Avoid using "double burden" when referring to a single, complex problem. The phrase specifically implies two distinct burdens, not one multifaceted issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double burden" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double burden" effectively conveys the presence of two simultaneous, significant difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, from news and media to science and business. When writing, ensure that you are referring to two distinct challenges, not simply a complex problem, to accurately apply this phrase. Consider using alternatives like "dual responsibility" or "twofold challenge" to diversify your vocabulary. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "double burden" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dual responsibility

Emphasizes the two-fold aspect of obligations.

twofold challenge

Highlights the challenging nature of the situation involving two distinct elements.

added pressure

Focuses on the increased stress from having multiple demands.

combined difficulty

Underscores the cumulative effect of separate hardships.

layered responsibility

Suggests responsibilities are stacked on top of each other.

complex undertaking

Highlights the intricate nature of the task due to multiple factors.

joint obligation

Focuses on the dual nature of duties.

double whammy

Informal term emphasizing the unfortunate combination of two negative events.

concurrent struggles

Indicates the simultaneous presence of difficulties.

compound adversity

Highlights the cumulative effect of negative circumstances.

FAQs

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

The phrase "double burden" is typically used to describe a situation where someone faces two significant challenges simultaneously. For instance, "Women in many developing countries face a "double burden" of managing household responsibilities and contributing to the family income".

What's a good alternative to "double burden"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dual responsibility", "twofold challenge", or "added pressure" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "double burden" applicable to both individuals and groups?

Yes, "double burden" can be used to describe the challenges faced by both individuals and groups. For example, you can say "Single parents often face the "double burden" of raising children alone and managing a career" or "Emerging economies carry a "double burden" of addressing existing health issues while also preparing for emerging ones".

What's the difference between "double burden" and "complex problem"?

"Double burden" specifically refers to two distinct and significant challenges occurring simultaneously. A "complex problem", on the other hand, may involve many interconnected issues but doesn't necessarily imply two separate burdens. The "double burden" describes distinct challenges like work and childcare, while complex problems can be like climate change.