a load of paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a load of paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it to refer to an excessive or burdensome amount of paperwork, such as when filling out forms. For example, "I had to fill out a load of paperwork before I could get the loan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You get paid way later and have generated a load of paperwork.

The New York Times

Continuity mistake: When we first see Hobbs he is marking a load of paperwork as captured.

Independent

That didn't exactly work out, though — there was a process they had to follow, and a load of paperwork.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

£20 in an envelope, three Golden Delicious and a load of LEA paperwork.

Vice

The pre-certification process alone is a new load of paperwork for the agency to keep up with, and the technology is moving fast.

TechCrunch

I went through a most ridiculous load of paperwork.

Science Magazine

Agency officials are expecting the biggest load of paperwork in the shortest amount of time for a new program since 1986, when more than three million immigrants who were here illegally became legal residents under an amnesty.

The New York Times

To help accomplish this, Washington should free American citizens working abroad from the heavy load of paperwork that it now requires of them.

The New York Times

What a load of baloney.

Independent

A load of horse manure.

The New Yorker

A load of cobblers".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a load of paperwork" when you want to emphasize the burdensome or excessive nature of administrative tasks. It's suitable for expressing frustration or highlighting inefficiency.

Common error

While "a load of paperwork" is generally acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal or professional settings, consider alternatives like "significant administrative requirements" or "extensive documentation" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load of paperwork" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a substantial quantity of documents or administrative tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a load of paperwork" is a noun phrase used to describe a large or excessive amount of administrative work. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in the English language. While grammatically correct, its register is generally neutral, with more formal alternatives existing for professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using the phrase, consider your audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for alternatives like "a lot of paperwork" or "excessive paperwork" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot of paperwork

Similar in meaning, using "a lot" instead of "a load" for quantity.

lots of paperwork

Expresses the same concept with a slightly more informal tone.

plenty of paperwork

Indicates a sufficient or abundant amount of paperwork.

an abundance of paperwork

More formal and emphasizes the large quantity of paperwork.

a mountain of paperwork

Uses a metaphor to describe the paperwork as a large, overwhelming amount.

a pile of paperwork

Describes paperwork arranged in a heap or stack.

a sea of paperwork

Uses a metaphor to indicate a vast, overwhelming amount of paperwork.

excessive paperwork

Directly states that the amount of paperwork is beyond what is necessary or reasonable.

administrative burden

Focuses on the tedious and time-consuming nature of the paperwork.

paperwork overload

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork.

FAQs

What does "a load of paperwork" mean?

The phrase "a load of paperwork" refers to a large amount of documents, forms, or administrative tasks that need to be completed, often implying that it is burdensome or tedious.

What can I say instead of "a load of paperwork"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot of paperwork", "an abundance of paperwork", or "excessive paperwork" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a load of paperwork" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, "a load of paperwork" may be considered informal for some highly formal contexts. Consider using more professional alternatives such as "significant administrative requirements" or "extensive documentation" in such situations.

How can I reduce "a load of paperwork" in my office?

Consider implementing digital solutions for document management, streamlining processes, and automating tasks. This can help reduce the amount of physical paperwork and improve efficiency.