serious burden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious burden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or heavy load, whether physical, emotional, or situational, that someone is experiencing. Example: "The sudden loss of her job became a serious burden on her finances and mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the mortgage-related legal woes remained a serious burden.

The New York Times

Removing the entrance, he added, "would impose a serious burden on the displaced pedestrian users".

The New York Times

This is at a time when more families find those costs to be a serious burden".

The New Yorker

But debt incurred in college becomes a serious burden at graduation, especially in a recession in which jobs are scarce.

The New York Times

But it became a serious burden on soldiers when President Bush launched the so-called surge in Iraq.

The New York Times

Even Kennan felt sorry for "poor John"; in 2003 he lamented the "serious burden" of his own "unnatural longevity".

The Economist

What did you pack? A. Probably more than I needed, but since everything goes in the back of the Volvo, it's not a serious burden.

The New York Times - Travel

In earlier times, these costs might have meant a serious burden on the state, when wars routinely saw scores or hundreds of thousands killed and millions injured.

The Guardian - Opinion

The survey also found that one-quarter of the people questioned believed those with LF should not marry – a serious burden in a society where marriage is the most common method for women to obtain financial security.

The Guardian

Airbus jetliners account for 70percentt of the revenue of EADS, its biggest shareholder, and failure of the A3XX would be a serious burden as the new aerospace giant seeks a start.

The New York Times

A serious burden will be on the Giants and the Jets to persuade fans and others of the propriety of naming a stadium for Allianz, even if its terrible era is more than 60 years past.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious burden", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the weight and impact of the issue you're describing. Choose more specific synonyms like "heavy load" or "considerable hardship" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

While "serious burden" is grammatically correct, relying too heavily on it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "significant weight", "considerable hardship", or "major challenge" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader command of language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "burden". It describes something that imposes a significant weight or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious burden" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that effectively conveys a significant weight or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and identifies its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. While versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "heavy load" or "considerable hardship" to maintain engaging and varied writing. To avoid overuse, explore related phrases to prevent repetition and ensure that your language is as precise and impactful as possible. The phrase is appropriate for formal contexts, but synonyms should be considered for more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy load

Focuses on the weight aspect of the burden, both literally and figuratively.

significant weight

Highlights the importance and impact of the burden.

considerable hardship

Emphasizes the difficulty and suffering caused by the burden.

major challenge

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming the burden.

substantial strain

Focuses on the pressure and tension the burden creates.

grave responsibility

Emphasizes the serious nature of the obligation and its consequences.

onerous task

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the task.

formidable obstacle

Focuses on the burden as a barrier to progress.

daunting challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating and overwhelming nature of the task.

severe impediment

Highlights the way the burden obstructs progress or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious burden" to describe something that causes significant difficulty or hardship. For example, "The debt became a "serious burden" on the family's finances."

What are some alternatives to "serious burden"?

Some alternatives include "heavy load", "significant weight", or "considerable hardship". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "serious burden" formal or informal?

"Serious burden" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in formal writing and speech. For more casual settings, you might consider using slightly less formal alternatives.

How does "serious burden" differ from "difficult task"?

While both phrases imply difficulty, "serious burden" suggests a more prolonged and impactful challenge, often with emotional or financial implications. A "difficult task" might be a one-time event, whereas a "serious burden" is an ongoing source of stress or hardship.