What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
under pressure
Example
I always work better under pressure. [under pressure: adverb]
Example
The athlete performed well under pressure during the final match. [under pressure: preposition]
burden
Example
The financial burden of the medical bills was too much for the family to bear. [burden: noun]
Example
She felt burdened by the weight of her responsibilities at work. [burdened: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Under pressure is more commonly used in everyday language than burden. Under pressure is often used in sports, work, or academic contexts to describe a situation where someone is feeling stressed or anxious due to external factors. Burden is less common and tends to be used in more serious or emotional situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between under pressure and burden?
Both under pressure and burden can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, burden may be considered more formal due to its serious connotations and emotional weight.