was burdened with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was burdened with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is weighed down by a responsibility, problem, or emotional weight. Example: "She was burdened with the responsibility of caring for her ailing parents while managing her own career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was burdened with guilt for having survived.

The New York Times - Books

Carob was burdened with good intentions from the moment it arrived in North America.

The New Yorker

He has argued that the company was burdened with bloat, inefficiency and excessive marketing expenses.

The New York Times

The Boston and Maine Railroad was burdened with high operating costs and unprofitable lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sir Winston's grandson was burdened with a great name, but his career never came to much.

The Guardian - Opinion

When they started dating, Robin was burdened with $28,000 in student debt and strapped for cash.

The Washington Post

Mr. Kennedy's life was burdened with personal tragedy, including the assassinations of two brothers, and personal embarrassment, mostly self-inflicted.

The New York Times

Nevelson was burdened with having largely deserted her son in the single-minded pursuit of her art.

The New York Times

Not surprisingly, this experimental unit had trouble gaining traction because it was burdened with the processes and culture of the mother ship.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The air quality was considered to be poor by 42% of the interviewees at the construction site, which was burdened with higher PM counts and sound levels.

Science of The Total Environment

It also was burdened with a refugee problem as more than 2 million people fled wars in neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was burdened with" to express that someone or something is carrying a significant and often negative weight, whether it's a responsibility, problem, or emotional issue. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the burden.

Common error

Avoid using "was burdened with" to describe positive situations or characteristics. The phrase inherently implies a negative or challenging aspect. Instead, use more appropriate phrases like "was blessed with" or "was gifted with" for positive attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was burdened with" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject experienced or carried a significant load, responsibility, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was burdened with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of being weighed down by responsibilities, problems, or emotional weight. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It is commonly found in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, making it suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "was saddled with" and "was weighed down by". When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid using it to describe positive attributes. This comprehensive analysis provides writers with a clear understanding of how to effectively and accurately use "was burdened with" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was saddled with

Implies being given an unwanted responsibility or problem, similar to being burdened.

was weighed down by

Suggests a heavy load, either literal or figurative, affecting one's progress or well-being.

was encumbered by

Highlights the restrictive or hindering nature of the burden.

was afflicted with

Focuses on suffering or distress caused by the burden, often related to health or misfortune.

was hampered by

Indicates that progress or success was impeded by the burden.

was oppressed by

Conveys a sense of being suppressed or controlled by the burden, often related to social or political issues.

was troubled by

Emphasizes the worry and anxiety caused by the burden.

was loaded with

Describes being heavily filled or overwhelmed with something, similar to carrying a burden.

was strained by

Suggests a weakening or damaging effect caused by the burden.

was vexed by

Indicates being annoyed or frustrated by the burden.

FAQs

How can I use "was burdened with" in a sentence?

The phrase "was burdened with" indicates carrying a heavy load, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The company "was burdened with debt" after the economic downturn" or "He "was burdened with guilt" for his past actions".

What's the difference between "was burdened with" and "was saddled with"?

While both phrases imply carrying a burden, "was burdened with" generally refers to a heavy weight or responsibility, while "was saddled with" often suggests an unwanted or unfair imposition. "She "was burdened with the care of her ailing mother"" describes a heavy responsibility. "He "was saddled with the blame for the project's failure"" suggests an unfair imposition.

What are some alternatives to saying "was burdened with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was weighed down by", "was encumbered by", or "was afflicted with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "was burdened with" in formal writing?

Yes, "was burdened with" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. However, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more precise alternative might be more effective.