historical burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"historical burden" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a legacy of past events which create a sense of duty or responsibility in the present. For example, "This family carries a historical burden of poverty that has been passed down for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

In that way, the buildings with their historical burden can be used for a socially meaningful purpose".

The Guardian

Tsushima's mayor, Yasunari Takarabe, said retrieving the statue had become a new historical burden for the island.

The New York Times

Two of the most powerful new competitors, Otelo and Viag Interkom, have yet to roll out their services fully.Deutsche Telekom's real problem is its historical burden.

The Economist

"Most of our militants haven't experienced the Stalin period; this historical burden is behind us," said Pierre Laurent, the Communist Party's general-secretary.

The New York Times

So this museum, which cost 28 million euros (about $38 million) and stands just yards from the monument, bears a considerable historical burden.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly, that comes with a particular historical burden: the Gaslight Anthem is part of a rich tradition of New Jersey punk, spanning the Misfits to the Bouncing Souls.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But that does not mean that he exempts himself from the historical burdens that are the subject of his film.

The New York Times

Businesses in those countries hold larger inventories to hedge against such disruptions, reducing their competitiveness.Landlocked countries labour under historical burdens.

The Economist

With a new editor, the historian Michael Kazin, they would breathe new life into Dissent long after the deaths of its first editors and writers, who had always labored under heavier historical burdens.

The New Yorker

By understanding where the field is globally, Singapore can develop strategies that either leverage on existing work, or that will leap-frog current programs because Singapore does not have historical burdens in law or infrastructure pertinent to genetics.

Science Magazine

But even the date Nov. 9 bears historical burdens, as Merkel noted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "historical burden", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific past events or circumstances are creating the present-day responsibility or challenge. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "historical burden" without specifying the historical context. For instance, instead of saying "the company's historical burden", specify "the company's historical burden of environmental damage", so the reader knows what it refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historical burden" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the weight of past events and their impact on the present, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "historical burden" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the weight of past events and their impact on the present. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the specific historical context to avoid overgeneralization and enhance clarity. Alternatives like "legacy of the past" or "weight of history" can offer similar meanings. The phrase conveys a neutral to formal tone, suitable for serious discussions about the impact of history.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weight of history

Emphasizes the heaviness and difficulty associated with past events.

legacy of responsibility

Specifically points to the responsibilities arising from past events.

legacy of the past

Focuses on what is inherited from the past, rather than the weight or responsibility.

shadow of the past

Focuses on the lingering influence and negative impact of past events.

inheritance of history

Highlights the aspect of something being passed down through time.

consequences of history

Highlights the results and effects caused by past actions and events.

past obligations

Highlights the duties and commitments originating from the past.

historical disadvantage

Emphasizes the negative impact of historical events, creating an unfair position.

enduring legacy

Highlights the fact that the historical legacy is still present.

long-term repercussions

Focuses on the lasting effects and consequences of past events.

FAQs

What does "historical burden" mean?

The phrase "historical burden" refers to the weight of past events and the responsibilities or challenges that they impose on the present. It often relates to social, political, or economic issues stemming from history.

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

You can use "historical burden" to describe a situation where past events create a significant obligation or difficulty in the present. For example: "The country struggles under the "historical burden" of colonialism.".

What are some alternatives to "historical burden"?

Alternatives to "historical burden" include phrases like "legacy of the past", "weight of history", or "inheritance of history", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "historical burden" the same as "historical responsibility"?

While related, "historical burden" emphasizes the challenges and difficulties arising from the past, whereas "historical responsibility" highlights the obligations and duties that stem from those events. "Legacy of responsibility" focuses more on the moral imperative to address past wrongs.