What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burden
Example
She struggled to carry the burden of her family's expectations. [burden: noun]
Example
The weight of his mistakes burdened him with guilt. [burdened: past tense verb]
duty
Example
It is our duty to help those in need. [duty: noun]
Example
As a teacher, it is my duty to educate and guide my students. [duty: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duty is more commonly used than burden in everyday language. Duty is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, from moral obligations to job responsibilities, while burden is less common and tends to be used in situations where there is a sense of heaviness or difficulty.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between burden and duty?
Both burden and duty can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, duty is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or legal settings, while burden is more informal and is commonly used in personal or emotional contexts.
