a load of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a load of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase "a load of" can be used to mean "a large amount of". You can use it when you are talking about a large quantity of something, but when you are being informal or humorous. For example: "I've got a load of work to do today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What a load of baloney.

Independent

It's a load of bull.

Independent

"That's a load of crap.

The New York Times

A load of horse manure.

The New Yorker

A load of cobblers".

The Guardian - Arts

Well get a load of this.

The Guardian

"Peter, get a load of you".

The New Yorker

What a load of royal rollocks!

Independent

Declan: It's a load of poo.

The New York Times

"She had a load of kids".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What a load of bollocks!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a load of" in informal contexts when you want to emphasize a large quantity or express disbelief. For example, "That's a load of nonsense!"

Common error

Avoid using "a load of" in formal or academic writing. It's more appropriate for casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a large amount of" or "a significant quantity of" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load of" functions as a quantifier when indicating a large amount or quantity of something. It also serves as an idiomatic expression to express disbelief or disapproval, as Ludwig AI pointed out. Examples show its use in expressing quantity, "They carried "a load of fireworks"", as well as incredulity, "What "a load of royal rollocks"!".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a load of" is a versatile phrase used to express either a large quantity or disbelief, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis and multiple real-world examples. While grammatically sound, its informal register makes it more suitable for casual conversation and less appropriate for formal or professional writing. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives such as "a large amount of" or "a significant quantity of" are preferable. Being mindful of the context will ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large amount of

Directly indicates a substantial quantity, maintaining a neutral tone.

lots of

Common and versatile way to express a large quantity, suitable for many contexts.

a great deal of

Implies a significant quantity, similar to "a load of" but slightly more formal.

a ton of

Idiomatic expression for a large amount, sharing the informal tone of the original phrase.

a bunch of

Informal way to describe a group or quantity, similar in register to "a load of".

a heap of

Informal way to describe a large, often disorganized, amount.

a mountain of

Emphasizes a very large quantity, often used figuratively.

a great quantity of

More formal way to express a large amount, suitable for professional or academic settings.

a wealth of

Implies a large and valuable amount, often used for positive attributes.

an abundance of

Suggests a plentiful or excessive amount, more emphatic than "a load of".

FAQs

How can I use "a load of" in a sentence?

You can use "a load of" to express a large quantity, as in "I have "a load of" laundry to do." It can also express disbelief: "That's "a load of" rubbish!"

What's a more formal alternative to "a load of"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "a large amount of", "a significant quantity of", or "a great deal of".

Is it correct to say "loads of" instead of "a load of"?

Yes, "loads of" is a common and acceptable alternative to "a load of", especially in informal contexts. Both phrases mean the same thing – a large quantity.

Can "a load of" be used in professional writing?

While understandable, "a load of" is generally too informal for professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a substantial amount of" or "a considerable quantity of" to maintain a professional tone.