onerous demands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous demands" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to difficult or burdensome requests or requirements. Example: The new job came with onerous demands, including long hours and constant travel.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The new rules affecting permits for protests and marches include details that impose onerous demands on dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

One whines about a boyfriend's onerous demands for sex, even while reporting that it was the best sex she'd ever had.

The New York Times - Books

Alas, the increasingly onerous demands on our time often compromise our desire to see a puzzle be fully explored in the designated week, and any unfinished discussions or other loose ends tend to get abandoned as a new puzzle arrives.

The New York Times

The stakes were unprecedented, with owners claiming huge financial losses amid escalating player salaries, and a union standing fast against what it saw as onerous demands by management for salary rollbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

For the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, in his book on the grotesque comedy of Rabelais, the "carnivalesque" body champions "the life of the belly and the reproductive organs" against the onerous demands of faith and duty.

Independent

The project's backers, led by the environmentally minded Bullitt Foundation, hope to demonstrate that a carbon-neutral office space can be commercially viable and aesthetically stunning without saddling its occupants with onerous demands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But, in an unprecedented move for China, he linked the offer to a potentially onerous demand: that Europe renounce its main legal defense against low-priced Chinese exports.

The New York Times

As a member of a religious order he was absolved from answering to secular authority, and he neatly avoided submitting to one particularly onerous demand made by China's new rulers, who called themselves the Qing dynasty.

The New York Times - Arts

PAGE A25 Business CHINA'S OFFERING TO EUROPE COMES WITH A FEW STRINGS Premier Wen Jiabao of China offered to help Europe, but he linked the offer to a potentially onerous demand: that Europe renounce its main legal defense against low-priced Chinese exports.

The New York Times

She said that wage increases in the second and third year of the new contract were "onerous" and demands for extra perquisites exceeded what the orchestra could bear.

The New York Times - Arts

During some of the more stressful days — crushed by impossible time constraints and ever more onerous bureaucratic demands — I can't deny that the thought of giving up clinical practice has crossed my mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing agreements or negotiations, use "onerous demands" to convey that the terms are excessively burdensome or unfair to one party.

Common error

While "onerous demands" is a valid phrase, avoid using it in very informal settings. Opt for simpler language like "difficult requests" or "tough asks" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous demands" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "onerous" modifies the noun "demands". It describes the nature of the demands, indicating that they are burdensome or troublesome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "onerous demands" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI verifies. It effectively conveys that certain requirements are excessively burdensome or difficult to meet. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts such as news reporting, academic writing, and business communications, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase is commonly found in the News & Media category, but is also used with some frequency in Science and Formal & Business contexts. Be mindful of the register and choose alternative phrasing when a more informal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome requirements

Emphasizes the heavy load or difficulty imposed by the requirements.

oppressive conditions

Highlights the restrictive and harsh nature of the demands.

exacting expectations

Focuses on the high standards and precision required.

stringent stipulations

Indicates strict and specific requirements that are difficult to meet.

difficult requests

A more general term emphasizing the challenging nature of the requests.

challenging prerequisites

Highlights requirements that must be satisfied before something else can happen.

arduous tasks

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in completing the required tasks.

heavy responsibilities

Emphasizes the significant duties and obligations imposed.

strenuous obligations

Indicates the demanding and rigorous nature of the obligations.

troublesome conditions

Highlights the problematic or difficult nature of the conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "onerous demands" to describe requirements that are excessively burdensome or difficult to meet. For example, "The contract included "onerous demands" regarding performance metrics."

What are some alternatives to "onerous demands"?

Alternatives include "burdensome requirements", "oppressive conditions", or "exacting expectations" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "onerous demands" in a formal or informal context?

"Onerous demands" is generally suitable for formal contexts such as legal documents, business negotiations, or academic writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What makes a demand "onerous"?

A demand is considered "onerous" if it is excessively burdensome, difficult to fulfill, or creates an unfair hardship on the party being asked to comply. It often implies that the demand is unreasonable or unjust.