it is a heavy responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it is a heavy responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to describe a situation where someone is tasked with a serious obligation. For example, "Being a teacher is a heavy responsibility; I must ensure my students receive the best education I can offer".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a heavy responsibility.

The Guardian

It is a heavy responsibility for a virtual rookie who has been starting for only the past 15 games.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"There are some great objects that we handle; it's a heavy responsibility," said Mr. Mustardo.

The New York Times

It's a heavy responsibility - especially at a time like this.

BBC

It's a heavy responsibility, but Elva's sense of justice and the compassion she feels for her people keeps her committed to her task.

Vice

It's a heavy responsibility but Elva's sense of justice, and the compassion she feels for her people, keep her committed to the task.

Vice

"This is a heavy responsibility," he mused, "and I worry about acquitting it well.

The Guardian

Look, this is a heavy responsibility.

The Guardian

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is a heavy responsibility", ensure the context clearly defines what the responsibility entails to avoid ambiguity. Tailor the description of the responsibility to resonate with your audience, whether it's related to leadership, ethical conduct, or personal commitments.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a heavy responsibility" for trivial or routine tasks. Reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences of failure are significant or the ethical implications are profound. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact when describing truly weighty obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a heavy responsibility" functions as a statement expressing that a particular task, role, or duty carries a significant burden of obligation and accountability. It is often used to highlight the seriousness and potential consequences associated with something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a heavy responsibility" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the significance and potential consequences of a task or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and suitable for contexts where emphasizing the seriousness of an obligation is crucial. While applicable across various registers, it is essential to ensure that its use aligns with the actual weight of the duty being described, avoiding overstatement for minor tasks. By considering related phrases and common errors, writers can effectively and appropriately use this expression to communicate the gravity of responsibilities. The most authoritative sources that use this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a weighty burden

Emphasizes the burden aspect more strongly.

it carries great accountability

Focuses on the aspect of being held accountable.

it entails significant obligations

Highlights the required duties and commitments.

it's a major undertaking

Shifts the focus to the scale and effort involved.

it's a considerable undertaking

Similar to major undertaking but with different word choice.

it demands serious commitment

Emphasizes the level of dedication required.

it involves considerable risk

Highlights the potential negative consequences.

it requires utmost care

Stresses the need for careful attention and diligence.

it presents a formidable challenge

Highlights the difficulty and complexity.

it represents a substantial duty

Emphasizes the formal obligation involved.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is a heavy responsibility" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it entails significant obligations" or "it carries great accountability". These alternatives emphasize the seriousness and importance of the duty.

What are some situations where "it is a heavy responsibility" is commonly used?

This phrase is often used when discussing leadership roles, ethical decision-making, or tasks with significant consequences. For example, "Being a judge "it is a heavy responsibility" due to the impact on people's lives".

Is it appropriate to use "it is a heavy responsibility" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, ""it is a heavy responsibility"" might sound overly formal in casual contexts. Simpler alternatives like "it's a big deal" or "it's a lot to handle" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "it is a heavy responsibility" and "it's a weighty burden"?

While both phrases convey a sense of importance and obligation, ""it is a heavy responsibility"" focuses on the duty and accountability, while "it's a weighty burden" emphasizes the emotional or mental strain involved. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.