a tough load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough load" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or heavy burden, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "Carrying all those boxes up the stairs was a tough load for him to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Joe's a likable guy, with a tough load to carry.

The New York Times - Books

Quite a tough load.

Science Magazine

If you think you are taking on a tough load, request a prep period if your school allows it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It allows us to get away from the stress of aging parents or a tough work load.

Los Angeles Times

Through a tough biomedical course load and a few tough semesters, I was forced to pick up more jobs to make up for the money I lost in scholarships.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result was a tough law compassionately applied.

Bioethics

That spurred the EPA to get serious, instituting a tough total maximum daily load (TMDL) schedule for all farms, waste treatment plants, and industrial plants in the five-state area to be completed by 2025.

Vice

But if you switch majors or take on a particularly tough course load, it can be tempting to stretch your undergraduate career out over five or even six years instead.

Huffington Post

Cutting sugar cane, swinging a machete all day and loading lorries is a tough job, made worse in the suffocating heat by having to wear thick clothing to provide protection from the sharp leaves.

The Economist

It was a tough afternoon for Pletcher, who entered the weekend loaded with Derby prospects.

The New York Times - Sports

But there's a problem with that theory today: a number of professional investors are having a tough time finding stocks that they feel comfortable loading up on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough load", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'load' refers to, whether it's a workload, a responsibility, or another type of burden. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough load" without specifying what constitutes the 'load'. Be precise. Instead of saying, "He's carrying a tough load", specify, "He's carrying a tough load of responsibilities at work."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough load" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "load". It describes something burdensome or challenging. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough load" is a common phrase used to describe a challenging or burdensome situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in tone, context determines its precise nuance. Alternatives such as "a heavy burden" or "a difficult task" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines what the 'load' entails for effective communication. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavy burden

Focuses on the weight of responsibility or difficulty, rather than the specific type of difficulty.

a difficult task

Highlights the challenging nature of the work or assignment involved.

a challenging responsibility

Emphasizes the demanding aspect of the duty or obligation.

a grueling assignment

Implies a physically or mentally exhausting undertaking.

a demanding workload

Specifically refers to the amount of work that needs to be done.

an onerous duty

Highlights the unpleasant or troublesome nature of the obligation.

a stressful situation

Focuses on the emotional impact of the difficulty.

a considerable strain

Highlights the pressure or tension caused by the difficulty.

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the task.

a tough challenge

Highlights the competitive and demanding aspect of the situation.

FAQs

What does "a tough load" mean?

The phrase "a tough load" refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to manage or endure. It can apply to various aspects of life, such as work, personal relationships, or other challenging situations.

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

You can use "a tough load" to describe someone facing significant challenges. For instance, "She's been carrying "a heavy burden" since her father's illness" or "He has "a demanding workload", which is a tough load to manage."

What are some alternatives to "a tough load"?

Some alternatives to "a tough load" include "a heavy burden", "a difficult task", "a challenging responsibility", or "an onerous duty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a tough load" or "a heavy load"?

Both "a tough load" and "a heavy load" are acceptable. "A tough load" emphasizes the difficulty and resilience required to manage the burden, while "a heavy load" focuses on the weight and pressure involved. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.