onerous conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe terms or requirements that are burdensome or difficult to meet. Example: "The contract included onerous conditions that made it challenging for small businesses to comply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most flights with less onerous conditions cost more than $300.

The New York Times

Some best buys come with some onerous conditions.

Independent

Critics have accused Netanyahu of agreeing to onerous conditions from his new partners.

The Guardian

Bradshaw had first-hand experience of the onerous conditions musicians faced in Jamaica, including racial discrimination.

The Guardian - Music

"Lots of developers hold their nose and sign the agreement despite these onerous conditions, and that's understandable.

The Guardian - Tech

Spain has asked for an injection of €100 billion for its banks without the onerous conditions attached to other countries.

The New York Times

As with all these things, the devil is in the detail and if the exemption has too many onerous conditions or requirements it simply won't get used.

The Guardian

If, as expected, it is in the region of €17bn, the equivalent of the island's annual economic output, it is likely to come with particularly onerous conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the commission does not want to eliminate volume discounts, which are common in the PC industry, it ordered Intel to stop placing onerous conditions on the recipients.

The New York Times - Tech

Germany's bad-bank plan, which passed into law this month, seems determined to deter banks from using it by imposing unnecessarily onerous conditions.

The Economist

The bill would bar reduction, consolidation or withdrawal of tactical weapons in Europe — we can't imagine a more unnecessary weapon — unless several onerous conditions are met.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "onerous conditions", ensure the context clearly establishes who is burdened by these conditions and the specific nature of the burden. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "onerous conditions" in casual or informal settings, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough rules" or "difficult requirements" for better resonance with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous conditions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "onerous" modifies the noun "conditions". It describes the nature or quality of the conditions, indicating that they are burdensome or difficult to fulfill. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "onerous conditions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes burdensome or difficult requirements. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. While generally appropriate, it's advisable to avoid it in very informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives. Understanding its precise meaning and appropriate contexts will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome terms

Focuses on the aspect of being heavy or difficult to bear.

strict requirements

Emphasizes the rigidity and unyielding nature of the demands.

heavy demands

Highlights the significant effort or resources required.

stringent stipulations

Implies a legally binding and tightly controlled set of rules.

difficult prerequisites

Highlights conditions that must be met before something else can happen.

challenging criteria

Focuses on the difficulty in meeting the standards set.

oppressive regulations

Suggests that the rules are unjustly harsh and controlling.

exacting standards

Emphasizes the high level of precision and effort required.

severe constraints

Highlights the limitations and restrictions imposed.

tough limitations

Focuses on the restrictive nature and difficulty in overcoming the limits.

FAQs

How can I use "onerous conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "onerous conditions" to describe burdensome or difficult terms. For example: "The contract included "onerous conditions" that made it challenging for small businesses to comply".

What are some alternatives to "onerous conditions"?

You can use alternatives like "burdensome terms", "strict requirements", or "heavy demands" depending on the context.

What makes conditions "onerous"?

Conditions are considered "onerous" when they are excessively difficult, burdensome, or oppressive, often requiring significant effort, resources, or sacrifice to meet them.

Is it appropriate to use "onerous conditions" in formal writing?

Yes, "onerous conditions" is suitable for formal writing, especially in legal, business, and academic contexts where precision and a degree of formality are expected.