is a burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes difficulty, stress, or hardship in a situation or for a person. Example: "The constant demands of work and family life can feel like a burden at times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a burden".

The New York Times

"Romneycare" is a burden.

The New York Times

Rising debt is a burden.

The Economist

Whiteness is a burden, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is a burden of proof.

The Guardian

But it is a burden, too.

The New York Times

A lot of money is a burden".

The New York Times - Tech

That is a burden I carry". Okay.

The Washington Post

"It is a burden, this allure, but she bear it".

The New York Times

But deeper knowledge is a burden on a monster scale.

The New York Times - Sports

If this is a burden it is unshared.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a burden", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it a heavy weight, a source of hardship, or simply an inconvenience? Choose synonyms or related phrases to refine your meaning.

Common error

While "is a burden" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is a weight", "is a strain", or more specific terms that reflect the nature of the burden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a burden" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. It typically attributes a negative quality to the subject, indicating it causes difficulty or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a burden" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for describing something that causes difficulty, stress, or hardship. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, though nuanced alternatives may be more appropriate for specific situations. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia sources. While "is a burden" is versatile, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse for more impactful writing. Related phrases include "represents a heavy load", "is a source of hardship" and "creates a significant strain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a millstone around one's neck

This idiom vividly portrays something as a constant and inescapable burden.

is a source of hardship

This alternative directly states that something causes difficulty and suffering.

is a considerable weight

This alternative uses "weight" as a metaphor for the burden, emphasizing the feeling of being weighed down.

represents a heavy load

This phrase uses "heavy load" instead of "burden", emphasizing the weight and difficulty associated with something.

creates a significant strain

This phrase focuses on the stress and pressure caused by something, similar to a burden.

constitutes an imposition

This alternative replaces "burden" with "imposition", suggesting something is unfairly demanded or expected.

is an onerous task

This alternative uses "onerous" to describe a task that is particularly difficult or unpleasant.

is a major encumbrance

Using "encumbrance" instead of "burden" suggests something that hinders or impedes progress.

poses a challenge

This option is a softer alternative, suggesting something requires effort and skill to overcome.

places a demand

This phrase frames the situation as something requiring effort or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "is a burden" to describe something that causes difficulty, stress, or hardship. For example, "The constant demands of work and family life "is a burden" at times."

What can I say instead of "is a burden"?

You can use alternatives like "represents a heavy load", "is a source of hardship", or "creates a significant strain" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is a burden" or "becomes a burden"?

Both "is a burden" and "becomes a burden" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is a burden" describes a current state, while "becomes a burden" describes a change over time. For example, "The debt "is a burden" now," versus "The debt "becomes a burden" over time."

What's the difference between "is a burden" and "is a liability"?

"Is a burden" generally refers to something that causes difficulty or hardship, while "is a liability" usually refers to a financial or legal obligation. While they can sometimes overlap, their primary connotations differ. For example, a large debt "is a burden" because it's difficult to repay, and it "is a liability" on a company's balance sheet.