onerous expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe demands or standards that are burdensome or difficult to meet. Example: "The new policies have created onerous expectations for employees, leading to increased stress and burnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She bridled at having the state "legitimate" her feelings for another person, and thought the institution carried onerous expectations, especially for the bride.

The New York Times - Style

The problem is that there may not actually be enough advisers to meet the demand for advice in this area at the moment; the combination of it being a fairly niche area of advice, plus the onerous expectations of the regulator, made it a less than enticing option for many.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rules were less onerous than expected.

The New York Times

Then, when someone takes that risk and gets elected, we often burden them with expectations so onerous that they cannot possibly meet them.

The Guardian

Musick hypothesizes that perhaps mothers do more of the onerous parenting work because the expectations are higher for them than for fathers.

Cornell University

The sweeping No Child Left Behind Act, a Texas-grown product of the George W. Bush presidency, was roundly criticized as being too onerous and unrealistic in its expectations for student achievement: One hundred percent of students were supposed to perform at "proficient" levels on standardized tests by 2014.

Huffington Post

Other signs are colossal waiting lists, onerous application procedures and the expectation that children are already at a high standard.

The Economist

Although this expectation is currently onerous, given the effort necessary to obtain the images and the disc storage required to save the images, we think that making images available for independent review and interpretation will be a long-term benefit to biomedical science.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Nonprofit purity may be an unreasonable expectation in these economically onerous times.

Los Angeles Times

File it with the already bulging portfolio of great Messi memories and be aware that if the expectations on him sometimes feel too onerous it is only because we are so in thrall of his greatness.

The Guardian - Sport

The result is that expectations placed on wives have become unusually onerous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "onerous expectations", consider the audience's perspective to ensure the phrase doesn't come across as dismissive of legitimate standards. Instead, use it to highlight situations where expectations are genuinely excessive or unsustainable.

Common error

Avoid using "onerous expectations" in informal settings where simpler terms like "high demands" or "tough standards" would be more appropriate. The formality of "onerous" can sound out of place in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous expectations" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "onerous" modifies the noun "expectations". It describes expectations that are burdensome or difficult to meet. Ludwig AI validates this with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "onerous expectations" refers to demands or standards that are excessively burdensome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent with conveying the idea of challenging and potentially unfair demands. When using this phrase, consider whether the expectations are genuinely excessive and if a simpler term might be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome demands

Replaces "expectations" with "demands" emphasizing the obligatory nature of the requirements.

heavy burdens

Focuses on the weight and impact of the obligations.

difficult asks

Uses "asks" instead of "expectations", softening the tone slightly but still conveying the challenging nature.

stringent requirements

Highlights the strict and precise nature of the stipulations.

exacting standards

Focuses on the high levels of performance or quality required.

challenging criteria

Emphasizes the difficulty in meeting the set benchmarks.

taxing responsibilities

Highlights the draining effect of the duties.

unrealistic goals

Focuses on the impracticality of achieving the desired outcomes.

arduous duties

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in the obligations.

overwhelming pressures

Focuses on the stress and sense of being burdened by external factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "onerous expectations" to describe situations where the demands or standards placed on someone are excessively burdensome. For example: "The new policies created "onerous expectations" for the employees".

What is a good alternative to "onerous expectations"?

Alternatives include "burdensome demands", "heavy burdens", or "difficult asks", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "onerous expectations"?

Use "onerous expectations" when you want to emphasize that the demands placed on someone are not only high but also excessively difficult or unfair. It is suitable in formal or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "onerous expectations" and "high expectations"?

"High expectations" simply refers to elevated standards or hopes. "Onerous expectations" implies that these standards are excessively burdensome, difficult to meet, and potentially unfair. The word "onerous" adds a layer of severity and difficulty.