immense burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immense burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy or significant weight, either literally or metaphorically, that someone has to carry or deal with. Example: "The immense burden of debt weighed heavily on her shoulders, affecting her mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

South Koreans fear that they would be an immense burden.

The New Yorker

Failure for the A380 would be an immense burden as EADS seeks to get under way.

The New York Times

This was an immense burden to him all his life; one that he bore stoically.

The Guardian - Books

"We're carrying this immense burden here," said George McLaughlin, 60, a guidance counselor at the school.

The New York Times

The states' share of Medicaid costs has been an immense burden for two decades, there's no denying it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The wars in the 1290s against the Welsh, French, and Scots imposed an immense burden on England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

These women carry immense burdens.

The New York Times

These last two items were basically gifts to the rich and created immense burdens for most of the rest of us.

Huffington Post

To render intensive care with no prospect of success is an immense emotional burden for both patient and relatives, and a great socioeconomic burden for society as well.

Critical Care

The plan for the NHS, which would give family doctors an immense managerial burden, is especially risky.

The Economist

It seems to take ages for his torso and eventually his head to become upright; he is apparently coping with an immense internal burden.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immense burden" when you want to emphasize the scale and impact of something difficult or oppressive. For example, "The immense burden of student loan debt affected her life choices."

Common error

While "immense burden" is widely applicable, consider simpler alternatives like "big problem" or "tough challenge" in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immense burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is widely used and understood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "immense burden" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a substantial weight or difficulty. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for describing various situations, particularly in formal and professional contexts. Analysis of usage patterns indicates it is most commonly found in Science and News & Media, highlighting situations where a significant challenge or responsibility is present. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and context to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the overall tone. Alternatives such as "heavy load" or "tremendous strain" may be more appropriate for informal settings. Remember to employ this phrase when you want to underscore the magnitude and impact of a given situation or responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy load

Uses more common words to convey the sense of something difficult to carry or manage.

considerable weight

Replaces "burden" with "weight", focusing on the heaviness or significance of something.

significant pressure

Shifts the focus to the pressure exerted by something, rather than the weight.

massive difficulty

Highlights the challenging or problematic nature of the situation.

tremendous strain

This alternative emphasizes the stress or pressure caused, rather than the weight.

crushing weight

Emphasizes the oppressive and debilitating effect of the burden.

substantial encumbrance

A more formal alternative, highlighting something that impedes or hinders.

overwhelming obligation

Highlights the feeling of being compelled or obliged by a great burden.

severe impediment

Focuses on the hindrance aspect of the burden, something that obstructs progress.

enormous responsibility

Focuses on the responsibility aspect of the burden, highlighting accountability.

FAQs

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

You can use "immense burden" to describe a significant difficulty or responsibility, such as "The refugee crisis placed an "immense burden" on the host country's resources."

What are some synonyms for "immense burden"?

Alternatives include "heavy load", "considerable weight", or "tremendous strain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "immense burden" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or significant issues. It conveys a sense of gravity and importance.

What's the difference between "immense burden" and "great responsibility"?

"Immense burden" emphasizes the difficulty and weight of something, while "great responsibility" focuses on the obligation and accountability involved. They are similar but highlight different aspects.