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 financial problems. [burden: noun]
Example
The team was burdened with the task of completing the project before the deadline. [burdened: past tense verb]
onus
Example
The onus is on the company to provide evidence of their product's safety. [onus: noun]
Example
He felt the onus of proving his innocence after being accused of a crime. [onus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burden is more commonly used than onus in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe a heavy load or responsibility. Onus, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more formal or specialized contexts, such as law or academia.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between burden and onus?
Burden is generally considered more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Onus, on the other hand, is more formal and is often used in legal, academic, or professional settings.
