onerous paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onerous paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe paperwork that is burdensome, difficult, or time-consuming to complete. Example: "The new regulations have resulted in onerous paperwork that is overwhelming for small business owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Onerous paperwork regularly delays projects for months and inflates costs.

The New York Times

While some towns offered incentives to lure back former residents, many who returned did not apply for aid because of onerous paperwork rules.

The New York Times

Democrats said they still intended to work with Republicans to repeal one provision of the law that officials in both parties say would create onerous paperwork requirements for small businesses.

The New York Times - Health

In a mostly black and Hispanic neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, Jay Patel, a pharmacist at Southern Pharmacy, said those who stocked opioids risked being robbed and had to deal with onerous paperwork.

The New York Times

The firefighters' and stockbrokers' families would be taken care of, people at the soup kitchens were certain, even though surviving spouses have complained of onerous paperwork and the lack of help to pay bills due immediately.

The New York Times

Experts agree that clause 245(i) is a more promising tool for those with qualifying relatives than it is for those with employers who may be reluctant to tackle the onerous paperwork or take on the risk, however remote, of being sanctioned by the I.N.S. or the Department of Labor for hiring illegal workers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As part of the anti-immigration hysteria, it imposed onerous new paperwork requirements, leading to declines in Medicaid enrollment by citizens in some states.

The New York Times

Florida, meanwhile, imposed onerous penalties and paperwork burdens on volunteers who sign up voters.

The New York Times

The firearms-ownership rules are onerous, involving hours of paperwork.

The Economist

Ebbers' stiff sentence will deter others from engaging in similarly wrongful activities far more effectively than will Sarbanes-Oxley's onerous obligations of massive paperwork.

Forbes

Perhaps because physicians have a low opinion of the necessity for preparing and managing study documents, they perceive extra paperwork as onerous.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "onerous paperwork" with quantifiable impacts, such as project delays or increased costs, to strengthen your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid simply referring to "paperwork" when the intention is to highlight the burdensome nature of the documentation. Using "onerous paperwork" specifically emphasizes the difficulty and complexity involved, enhancing the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous paperwork" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "onerous" modifies the noun "paperwork". The adjective intensifies the meaning, indicating that the paperwork is not merely a routine task but a burdensome one. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onerous paperwork" is a common and correct way to describe documentation that is excessively burdensome and complex. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its presence in news, science, and business contexts. To enhance your writing, consider quantifying the impacts of "onerous paperwork", such as project delays or increased costs. While alternatives like "burdensome documentation" or "complex regulatory requirements" exist, "onerous paperwork" directly conveys the difficulty and frustration associated with the documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome documentation

Focuses on the oppressive nature of the documentation itself.

cumbersome administrative procedures

Highlights the complexity and inefficiency of the procedures.

complex regulatory requirements

Emphasizes the intricacy and mandated nature of the requirements.

complicated bureaucratic processes

Focuses on the involvement of bureaucratic systems and their intricacies.

demanding application process

Stresses the high level of effort required for the application.

difficult compliance procedures

Highlights the challenges in adhering to compliance standards.

time-consuming paperwork

Emphasizes the duration required to complete the paperwork.

excessive red tape

Emphasizes the bureaucratic hurdles and delays involved.

challenging documentation requirements

Focuses on the difficulty in meeting the documentation demands.

heavy compliance burden

Highlights the weight and impact of the compliance responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "onerous paperwork" mean?

Onerous paperwork refers to documentation that is excessively burdensome, difficult, or time-consuming to complete. It implies that the paperwork creates a significant obstacle or hardship.

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

You can use "onerous paperwork" in a sentence like this: "The new regulations created "onerous paperwork" requirements for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "onerous paperwork"?

Some alternatives to "onerous paperwork" include "burdensome documentation", "cumbersome administrative procedures", or "complex regulatory requirements".

Why is "onerous paperwork" a problem?

"Onerous paperwork" can lead to delays, increased costs, and frustration. It can also discourage individuals and businesses from participating in programs or processes.