physical burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a difficult physical load or task that one must carry or complete. For example: "Carrying a backpack full of textbooks was a physical burden that I had to endure every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Living with cancer carries a huge psychological, financial, and physical burden.

Stanford University

By easing the physical burden of farm work, it helps to conserve human energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Humor can lighten the patient's emotional and physical burden by putting things in perspective and raising the pain threshold.

The New York Times - Health

The latter is what makes perseverance impossible while acute pain is deemed part of physical burden of effort.

Harvard University

The men bear the physical burden; Joseph of Arimathea and two others lower Christ's body into a sarcophagus.

The New York Times - Arts

Olivier Giroud believes he can cope with the physical burden that has been placed upon him, as Arsenal struggle for alternative options in the lead striker role.

The Guardian - Sport

"You can use the shoe to form an objective impression of the physical burden placed on people in their work situation.

MIT Technology Review

In the poem "Michiko Dead," he wrote about grief as an enduring physical burden: "He manages like somebody carrying a box/that is too heavy".

The New York Times - Books

Michael Karnavas, one of the lawyers for Ieng Sary, has asked that his client be allowed to follow proceedings from a special room outside the courtroom to ease the physical burden on him.

The Guardian

Coach Doug Collins has said that he could use Jordan off the bench and would most likely not play him at small forward because the physical burden could be too demanding.

The New York Times - Sports

The production was a triumph, but the physical burden on Larry was enormous - he was in his office every day running the National Theatre, and coming to the theatre to play this huge, demanding role every night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a disease or medical treatment, use "physical burden" to highlight the tangible effects on a patient's body and daily life.

Common error

Avoid using "physical burden" when you intend to describe emotional or mental strain. While related, "physical burden" specifically refers to the body's experience of strain or fatigue. Instead, consider using "emotional distress" or "mental fatigue" for psychological effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the tangible strain or load experienced by a person or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physical burden" effectively communicates the tangible strain exerted on an individual or object. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields. While frequently appearing in scientific and news contexts, it's important to differentiate it from emotional or psychological stress. Related alternatives like "bodily strain" and "physical exertion" can offer nuanced variations. By understanding its specific meaning and appropriate contexts, you can ensure clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodily strain

Focuses on the stress exerted on the body.

physical exertion

Emphasizes the act of applying oneself physically.

physical demand

Highlights the requirements placed on one's physical capabilities.

physical toll

Underscores the negative impact on one's physical health.

physical strain

Stresses the tension and pressure experienced by the body.

onerous task

Shifts the focus to the difficulty and oppressiveness of the task.

arduous labor

Highlights the laborious and challenging nature of the work.

taxing physical work

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the work on the body.

heavy workload

Highlights the amount of work and its impact on physical health.

manual labor

Focuses on work done by hand or physical strength.

FAQs

How can I use "physical burden" in a sentence?

You can use "physical burden" to describe the impact of a disease, the demands of a job, or the effects of carrying something heavy. For example, "The patient experienced a significant physical burden after chemotherapy."

What phrases are similar to "physical burden"?

Similar phrases include "bodily strain", "physical exertion", and "physical demand". These alternatives can add nuance to your writing.

Is it correct to use "physical burden" to describe mental stress?

While related, "physical burden" specifically refers to the tangible effects on the body. For mental stress, consider using terms like "emotional distress" or "psychological strain".

What factors contribute to the "physical burden" of caregiving?

The "physical burden" of caregiving can include lifting, moving, and providing constant attention to someone who needs assistance. This can lead to fatigue, injury, and other health problems for the caregiver.