enormous burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enormous burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant weight or responsibility that someone has to carry, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The sudden loss of her job placed an enormous burden on her finances and emotional well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To me, there's an enormous burden placed on women".

The New York Times - Health

That may sound an enormous burden, but it is not.

The Economist

An enormous burden has fallen from my shoulders".

The New York Times

It will put an enormous burden on health care resources and costs".

The New York Times - Health

Yet even in the best of times, the presidency can be an enormous burden.

The New York Times

An enormous burden has been lifted from them and their families".

The New York Times

For this group, there will be an enormous burden to hold back the conservative tide.

The Guardian - Opinion

This places an enormous burden of precision on the justice system, however.

The New Yorker

But to do so, they will having to overcome an enormous burden.

The New Yorker

No other US city carries such an enormous burden of political symbolism.

The Guardian - Travel

It has landed the fledgling Afghan government with an enormous burden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you wish to convey. While "enormous burden" is generally neutral, synonyms like "crushing pressure" or "heavy responsibility" may better suit specific emotional contexts.

Common error

While "enormous burden" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "significant strain" or "substantial obligation" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. It describes something that imposes significant difficulty, responsibility, or strain. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enormous burden" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for describing a significant weight or responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science, highlights its versatility. When writing, ensure to clarify the source and recipient of the "enormous burden" for maximum impact. While effective, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "immense weight" or "significant strain". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "enormous burden" to convey the severity of challenges and responsibilities in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense weight

Emphasizes the heaviness and impact of the responsibility, rather than its demanding nature.

significant strain

Focuses on the pressure and stress caused by the burden, highlighting its detrimental effects.

heavy responsibility

A more straightforward alternative that highlights the importance and accountability associated with the task.

considerable onus

A more formal term that emphasizes the obligation or duty to fulfill a task.

tremendous load

Similar to immense weight, but emphasizes the sheer volume or quantity of what needs to be handled.

substantial obligation

Highlights the binding nature of the responsibility and its legal or moral implications.

major encumbrance

Focuses on how the burden hinders progress or freedom, emphasizing its restrictive nature.

onerous task

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness associated with the task.

crushing pressure

Highlights the overwhelming and debilitating effect of the burden.

formidable challenge

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of overcoming the obstacle rather than the weight of the responsibility.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "enormous burden" in a sentence?

Use "enormous burden" to describe a situation, responsibility, or problem that places significant strain or pressure on someone or something. For instance, "The pandemic placed an "enormous burden" on healthcare systems."

What are some alternatives to "enormous burden"?

You can use alternatives like "immense weight", "significant strain", or "heavy responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "enormous burden" in formal writing?

Yes, "enormous burden" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the context and tone align with the overall formality of the piece. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "considerable onus" or "substantial obligation".

What's the difference between "enormous burden" and "massive burden"?

While both phrases are similar, "enormous burden" suggests a burden that is significant in size or scope, whereas "massive burden" may imply a greater sense of overwhelming weight or impact. The choice depends on the specific context and the emphasis you want to give.