a load off

USAGE SUMMARY

"a load off" is a common phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the feeling of relief or a sense of being unburdened. For example, "It was such a load off my shoulders when I finally finished my college exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the IBM system reaches the market later this year, it should take a load off loaded customers' minds.

MIT Technology Review

Take a load off, Lester".

The New Yorker

It takes a load off our shoulders.

The New York Times

What a load off my mind.

The New York Times - Style

"There is never a load off the coach.

The New York Times - Sports

And it will take a load off AB".

The Guardian - Sport

Which all takes a load off my shoulders.

Independent

Come join us for a drink and take a load off!

Columbia University

It gives us the option of getting Quinny in and taking a load off AB".

The Guardian - Sport

In English, perhaps, one might say it was "a load off my shoulders".

The New York Times

"It's a load off my shoulders to get out of Daytona with a top-10 finish," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a load off" to express relief after a stressful event or the completion of a challenging task. For instance, say, "Getting that project done was such a load off my mind."

Common error

Avoid using "a load off" in formal or serious situations where a more professional or sensitive expression is required. For example, instead of saying "His death was a load off," use a more respectful and empathetic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load off" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig's AI affirms its use to describe a feeling of relief or the removal of a burden, whether literal or figurative. It often appears as part of a longer phrase, such as "a load off my shoulders" or "a load off my mind."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a load off" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey a sense of relief or the removal of a burden. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but it is generally considered informal. While Ludwig provides many examples of its usage, it's crucial to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding formal or extremely sensitive situations where a more nuanced expression might be necessary. Remember, similar phrases like "a weight off my shoulders" or simply "relief" can serve as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weight off my shoulders

This alternative specifically emphasizes the removal of a burden felt personally.

a burden lifted

This suggests the removal of something heavy or oppressive, bringing a sense of freedom.

relief

This is a simpler, more direct way to express the feeling of reduced stress or worry.

a sense of ease

Highlights the comfortable feeling that comes with reduced pressure.

feeling unburdened

Focuses on the sensation of being free from responsibilities or worries.

relaxed

This is a more general term indicating a state of calmness and reduced tension.

less stressed

Directly addresses the reduction of stress as a result of something being removed.

reassured

Suggests that anxieties have been calmed and confidence has been restored.

at peace

Indicates a state of tranquility and contentment, often after a period of difficulty.

off my mind

This alternative emphasizes the removal of something from one's thoughts or worries.

FAQs

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

You can use "a load off" to express relief or a sense of being unburdened. For example, "It's such "a load off" to finally finish this project."

What's a similar phrase to "a load off"?

Similar phrases to "a load off" include "a weight off my shoulders", "a burden lifted", or simply "relief".

Is "a load off" formal or informal?

"A load off" is generally considered an informal phrase, more appropriate for casual conversations than formal writing. In formal contexts, consider using "alleviated pressure" or "reduced burden".

When is it appropriate to say "a load off my mind"?

It's appropriate to use "a load off my mind" when you're expressing relief from a worry or concern that has been occupying your thoughts. For instance, "Finding my missing keys was "a load off" my mind."