heavy burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy burden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a responsibility that is difficult to bear, either physically or emotionally. Example: The heavy burden of caring for an ailing relative was weighing on her each day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is still a heavy burden.

The Economist

That's such a heavy burden".

The Guardian

"Strict scrutiny is a heavy burden.

The Guardian

Now that is heavy burden to bear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm finding it quite a heavy burden".

Independent

Nebraska carried a heavy burden into last night's game.

The New York Times - Sports

The director places a heavy burden on young Ms. Ferland.

The New York Times

Perhaps Celtic labour under the heavy burden of expectation.

The Guardian - Sport

"His inheritance is a heavy burden," Superdeporte wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

The Cubans were also bearing a heavy burden.

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, EMI is shouldering a heavy burden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy burden" to emphasize the significant impact and difficulty associated with a responsibility or problem. Be mindful of the emotional or practical implications you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy burden" for minor inconveniences or trivial tasks. It's best reserved for situations with significant weight or consequence, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes something weighty or impactful. For instance, "That is still a heavy burden." or "His inheritance is a heavy burden.".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy burden" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a significant difficulty, responsibility, or emotional weight. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this phrase, noting its prevalence across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science. While appropriate for formal and informal communication, "heavy burden" is most effective when used to emphasize the weight and impact of a situation, encouraging writers to reserve it for meaningful challenges rather than trivial inconveniences. Alternatives such as "onerous task" or "significant responsibility" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy load

A more physical or tangible metaphor for the burden.

crushing weight

Focuses on the intense pressure and emotional distress caused by the burden.

onerous task

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of the task itself, rather than the emotional weight.

tough responsibility

Highlights that someone must do their duty no matter how hard it is.

significant responsibility

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the obligation.

demanding obligation

Highlights the strict requirements and expectations associated with the duty.

considerable strain

Indicates the stress and effort required to manage the burden.

substantial encumbrance

Emphasizes the limiting or restrictive nature of the burden.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming the problem.

major predicament

Focuses on the difficult or dangerous situation created by the burden.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy burden" to describe something that causes significant difficulty, stress, or responsibility. For example, "The debt was a "heavy burden" on the family."

What are some alternatives to "heavy burden"?

Alternatives include "onerous task", "significant responsibility", or "crushing weight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "heavy burden" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig shows it is used across various professional and academic contexts, making it appropriate for reports, essays, and other serious communications.

What's the difference between "heavy burden" and "difficult task"?

"Heavy burden" implies a sustained and impactful weight or responsibility, often with emotional or personal consequences. "Difficult task", on the other hand, refers more generally to a challenge that requires effort and skill, without necessarily carrying the same level of emotional or consequential weight.