onerous duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or responsibility that is burdensome or difficult to bear. Example: "As the team leader, I often feel the weight of my onerous duty to ensure that every project is completed on time and to the highest standard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

J.S.P., posted on nytimes.com My wife and I discussed this article, and we determined that sex should be an onerous duty, undertaken only a few times, for the express purpose of creating the next generation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why not give Handel's "Messiah" a break from its onerous duty as the requisite piece for the Christmas season and let "L'Enfance du Christ" take over for a while?

The New York Times

Choreographers working in German municipal theaters are expected to provide "dance" wherever it is required -- operas, plays, operettas; many consider it an onerous duty, the price for having an ensemble and a budget.

The New York Times - Arts

The next year of his life found Albert once again appointed to an onerous duty.

SEP

After performing this onerous duty (to a completely empty room), the gavel comes down again, and the session is closed.

Huffington Post

An occupier has a less onerous duty towards a person "in the exercise of his calling", such as a professional or somebody exercising a trade.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Officials have repeatedly talked of slapping a luxury tax on the purchase of new jets, on top of existing onerous duties and taxes.

The Economist

Sports stars are flattered on campus, avoid many of the onerous duties other midshipmen must perform, and know they're not going to be thrown out.

The New York Times

But in his twilight years Castro appeared to enjoy stepping back from the onerous duties of the presidency, if not the limelight.

The Guardian

Four heads would do it, I think – two for Silk Road, two for TP's, to relieve them all of their onerous duties.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But if he can shoulder some of the DCI's more onerous duties, including the president's briefing and the intelligence budget, he might free a dynamic CIA director to wield the axe for him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "onerous duty" with verbs that express endurance or perseverance, such as "shoulder", "bear", or "fulfill", to emphasize the challenging nature of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "onerous duty" to describe tasks that are merely inconvenient or time-consuming. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the responsibility is genuinely burdensome and demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous duty" functions as a noun phrase where "onerous" is an adjective modifying the noun "duty". It describes a specific type of duty characterized by its burdensome or difficult nature. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "onerous duty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a burdensome or challenging responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various reputable sources. While not highly frequent, it is appropriately used in formal contexts such as news and media, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the difficulty of the duty and that it is paired with appropriate verbs to emphasize the burden. Consider alternatives like "burdensome responsibility" or "difficult responsibility" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous task

Replaces "duty" with "task", emphasizing the effort required.

burdensome responsibility

Replaces both words to highlight the weight and obligation involved.

taxing obligation

Uses "taxing" to describe the draining effect of the obligation.

demanding task

Focuses on the high requirements and effort of the task.

difficult responsibility

A straightforward substitution emphasizing the challenge.

heavy burden

Highlights the weight and pressure associated with the duty.

laborious undertaking

Emphasizes the extensive work involved.

grueling assignment

Suggests a physically and mentally exhausting duty.

formidable charge

Implies a significant and challenging responsibility.

strenuous task

Highlights the energy and effort the task demands.

FAQs

How to use "onerous duty" in a sentence?

Use "onerous duty" to describe a task or responsibility that is burdensome or difficult to bear. For example, "The new regulations placed an "onerous duty" on small businesses to comply with environmental standards."

What can I say instead of "onerous duty"?

You can use alternatives like "burdensome responsibility", "taxing obligation", or "difficult responsibility" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "onerous duty" and "onerous task"?

While both describe something burdensome, "duty" implies a sense of obligation or responsibility, while "task" simply refers to a piece of work to be done. "Onerous duty" often carries a heavier weight of responsibility.

Is "onerous duty" formal or informal?

"Onerous duty" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic writing. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "difficult job" or "tough task".