great burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great 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 loss of her job was a great burden that she struggled to cope with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Corruption is another great burden on business.

The Economist

That "purpose" might be considered a great burden for Robert and Gianna.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly it seemed that a great burden had been lifted from the stable.

The New York Times - Sports

He was hunched forward as he approached the microphone, as if shouldering a great burden.

The New Yorker

You could call anything art, and a great burden was lifted.

The Guardian - Arts

The promise of the Large Hadron Collider is thus also its great burden.

The New Yorker

He makes it without obvious recrimination but with a sense of great burden, weariness almost.

The Guardian

So when you can't and you fail, it becomes this great burden.

The Guardian - Books

Members of the Hlutdaw were known as wungyi, or "great burden bearers".

Encyclopedia Britannica

A brilliant talent-spotter, he found composition himself a great burden and took ages to read an article.

The Guardian

I had waited so long for the NATO jets that I felt like a great burden had suddenly been lifted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great burden", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the burden and who is affected. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "great burden" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant hardship or responsibility, otherwise choose a more fitting expression like "slight inconvenience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes something that imposes significant hardship, responsibility, or stress. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts, which confirms its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great burden" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe something that causes significant hardship, responsibility, or stress. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its function is to emphasize the weightiness of an issue, and it is suitable for both neutral and formal registers. While found most frequently in scientific and news media sources, it can also appear in encyclopedias and other types of writing. When using "great burden", consider whether a more specific alternative, like "heavy load" or "significant weight", might better convey the intended meaning. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause and effect of the "great burden" to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy load

Focuses more on the weight or amount of responsibility.

significant weight

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the responsibility.

considerable strain

Highlights the stress or pressure caused by the burden.

major responsibility

Shifts the focus to the obligation or duty involved.

onerous task

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of the duty.

difficult obligation

Highlights the challenging nature of the required duty.

tough challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and demands of the situation.

formidable obstacle

Stresses the obstructive nature of the burden.

crushing weight

Emphasizes the overwhelming and oppressive nature of the burden.

demanding commitment

Highlights the time, energy, and effort required.

FAQs

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

You can use "great burden" to describe something that causes significant hardship, responsibility, or stress. For example, "The cost of healthcare is a great burden on many families."

What are some alternatives to "great burden"?

Alternatives include "heavy load", "significant weight", or "considerable strain", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "great burden" a formal or informal expression?

"Great burden" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech. The level of formality also depends on the surrounding language and the audience.

What is the difference between "great burden" and "major inconvenience"?

"Great burden" implies a substantial and often ongoing difficulty or responsibility, while "major inconvenience" refers to a disruptive but typically temporary disruption or difficulty. The former suggests a deeper and more lasting impact.