overwhelming burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy or excessive load, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical, that someone is experiencing. Example: "After losing her job, she felt an overwhelming burden of financial stress weighing her down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That doesn't sound like an overwhelming burden.

The New York Times

Email is no longer an overwhelming burden to me.

Harvard Business Review

"Women still shoulder the overwhelming burden of household tasks, particularly after they have had children.

The Guardian

They are shouldering the overwhelming burden of this country's military commitments.

The New York Times

And that one percent our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen have borne the overwhelming burden of our security.

The Guardian

Studies had revealed in connection with the social conditions of the sharecroppers in Macon County an overwhelming burden of disease and suffering.

Yale University

US income inequality is among the highest in the developed nations, and the middle class and the working class are bearing the overwhelming burden of taxation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Critics like to lump these costs in with the more direct Olympics costs, emphasizing an overwhelming burden placed on the BC and Canadian taxpayer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This resilience allows them to face overwhelming burdens yet remain engaged instead of experiencing burnout.

Harvard Business Review

The protesters at Occupy Wall Street and their fellow travellers at We Are the 99% have a number of demands: lower unemployment, relieving the overwhelming debt burden, and making the tax structure more progressive to relieve middle class and poor people from carrying the tax burden.

The Guardian - Opinion

Japan's overwhelming debt burden limited the government's ability to cut taxes or spend money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with active verbs to showcase the action of managing the burden or its influence on the subject. E.g. "She shouldered the overwhelming burden".

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming burden" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. Its impact is diminished when applied to trivial situations. Reserve it for truly significant and impactful issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming burden" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a significant, often unmanageable, weight or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming burden" effectively conveys a significant and difficult weight or responsibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, remember that, as also discussed in our most common errors, it's crucial to reserve the use of "overwhelming burden" for truly significant challenges, avoiding its dilution in trivial situations. Consider alternatives such as "crushing weight" or "immense pressure" to fine-tune your message based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing weight

Emphasizes the oppressive nature of the burden, suggesting it's difficult to bear.

immense pressure

Focuses on the feeling of being strained or forced by circumstances.

onerous responsibility

Highlights the demanding nature of the task or duty.

heavy load

A more literal and general way to describe a substantial burden.

crippling obligation

Suggests the burden severely limits one's freedom or ability to act.

unbearable strain

Stresses the intense pressure and potential for breaking under the burden.

grave responsibility

Implies the seriousness and potential consequences of the burden.

debilitating weight

Focuses on the weakening or impairing effect of the burden.

overpowering obligation

Suggests the burden is so strong it's difficult to resist or ignore.

tremendous encumbrance

Uses a more formal term to describe something that hinders or impedes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "overwhelming burden" in a sentence?

Use "overwhelming burden" to depict a heavy or excessive load, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. For example: "The responsibilities of caring for her ailing parents became an "overwhelming burden"."

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming burden"?

You can use alternatives like "crushing weight", "immense pressure", or "onerous responsibility" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "overwhelming burden" or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "overwhelming burden" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's suitable for describing a heavy or excessive load. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "heavy load" and "overwhelming burden"?

"heavy load" is a more general term for a substantial burden, while "overwhelming burden" suggests that the burden is so great as to be difficult to manage or bear.