heavy responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an important task or set of tasks which take a great amount of effort to carry out. For example: "The prime minister was given a heavy responsibility in preserving the integrity of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have a heavy responsibility".

The New York Times

With the title goes a heavy responsibility.

The Economist

Mr Morsi has a heavy responsibility.

The Economist

It is a heavy responsibility.

The Guardian

A heavy responsibility, you might think.

The Guardian - Music

Look, this is a heavy responsibility.

The Guardian

It's a very heavy responsibility to carry.

The Guardian - Sport

"Expansion into new initiatives is a heavy responsibility".

The New York Times - Tech

In reality, jihad is a heavy responsibility and requires toughness".

The Guardian

And I made those decisions and it's a heavy responsibility.

The New York Times

The hidden truth is that Engels bears a heavy responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy responsibility", clearly define what the responsibility entails to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He has a heavy responsibility", specify "He has a heavy responsibility to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget".

Common error

Avoid using "heavy responsibility" for minor or routine tasks. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations where the stakes are genuinely high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy responsibility" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates this is used to describe a significant duty or obligation. It emphasizes the importance and potential burden associated with a particular role or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

EU Parlament

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy responsibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, signifying a substantial and often burdensome duty. Ludwig AI classifies it as correct and adaptable for portraying critical tasks demanding significant effort. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register. To prevent misuse, it's best reserved for genuinely high-stakes situations and used with clear articulation of the entailed duties. Alternatives like "significant obligation" or "weighty task" can offer nuanced emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant obligation

Emphasizes the binding nature of the duty.

onerous duty

Highlights the burdensome aspect of the task.

weighty task

Focuses on the importance and impact of the work.

substantial burden

Underscores the pressure associated with the role.

critical mandate

Stresses the authorization and importance of the mission.

grave accountability

Highlights the serious consequences tied to the actions.

paramount importance

Focuses on the high level of significance attached to the role.

pressing commitment

Emphasizes the urgency and dedication required.

major undertaking

Highlights the complexity and scale of the job.

demanding role

Focuses on the challenging nature of the position.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy responsibility" to describe a situation where someone has an important duty or task. For example: "The president bears a "heavy responsibility" to protect the nation's interests".

What are some alternatives to "heavy responsibility"?

Alternatives include "significant obligation", "onerous duty", or "weighty task". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "heavy responsibility" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "heavy responsibility" is generally more suited for formal or neutral contexts. In informal settings, you might consider using simpler phrases like "big job" or "important task".

What's the difference between "heavy responsibility" and "great responsibility"?

Both phrases are similar, but "heavy responsibility" often implies a greater sense of burden or pressure compared to "great responsibility", which simply emphasizes the importance of the task.