bear a load

USAGE SUMMARY

'bear a load' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to shouldering or carrying a burden, such as a workload, a challenge, or a responsibility. Example: Each member of the team was tasked with bearing a heavy load as they worked to complete the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If a fire breaks out, the fireproofing insulates the steel to prevent it from heating to the point at which it becomes soft and unable to bear a load.

The New York Times

It is possible that a player who has experienced a fracture cannot bear a load on the lateral part of the forefoot because of fracture pain.

Sports Medicine - Open

Each pile is 1.5 m in diameter and can bear a load of 1000-1320 t.

Wikipedia

Taken all together, communities would be asked to bear a load that is quite possibly unfeasible both structurally and economically.

Huffington Post

And even on a small scale, their sand wall experiment (below) is structurally strong and can even bear a load.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The larger value of elastic modulus for spider silk crystal than that for amyloid fibril is ascribed to the loading mechanism in that the spider silk crystal bears a loading (force) whose direction is perpendicular to the fibril axis of spider silk crystal, while the amyloid fibril exerts a force along the fibril axis [55].

Nanoscale Research Letters

But it's fair that those with broader shoulders should bear a greater load.

The Guardian

But "it's fair that those with broader shoulders should bear a greater load".

The New York Times

But their lives, and the China described in "Chinese Lessons," bear a heavy load of suppressed grief, terrible compromises and boundless cynicism.

The New York Times - Books

Cameron will justify the raid on child benefit by insisting that it is "fair that those with broader shoulders should bear a greater load".

The Guardian

The ground had been laid for Cameron to hammer home the message on Wednesday that those with "broader shoulders should bear a greater load".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear a load", consider the specific type of burden you're describing – is it physical, emotional, or metaphorical? Choose the most accurate phrasing to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "bear a load" when a simpler verb like "carry", "support", or "endure" would be more appropriate and natural. Overusing idiomatic expressions can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a load" functions as a verb phrase where "bear" acts as a transitive verb taking "a load" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies the action of supporting or carrying something, whether physical or metaphorical. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in structural contexts and abstract senses of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bear a load" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that signifies supporting or carrying a burden, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and Wiki contexts, indicating a neutral register. While examples are relatively rare, understanding its appropriate use can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Consider using alternatives like "shoulder a burden" or "carry the weight" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoulder a burden

This alternative suggests taking responsibility for something difficult or onerous.

carry the weight

Implies enduring hardship or responsibility for something significant.

take on responsibility

Focuses on the act of accepting a duty or obligation.

endure the strain

Highlights the aspect of withstanding pressure or stress.

uphold the responsibility

Emphasizes maintaining a commitment or duty.

support the weight

Similar to "carry the weight", but implies providing structural support.

sustain the pressure

Focuses on maintaining stability under difficult circumstances.

handle the task

Implies managing or completing a specific duty or assignment.

manage the burden

Focuses on effectively dealing with a difficult responsibility.

assume the obligation

Highlights the act of taking on a formal or moral duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "bear a load" to describe physically supporting weight, as in "The bridge can "bear a load" of several tons". It can also be used metaphorically, like "She had to "bear a load" of responsibility after her father's passing".

What are some alternatives to "bear a load"?

Alternatives include "shoulder a burden", "carry the weight", or "take on responsibility", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bare a load" instead of "bear a load"?

No, "bare a load" is incorrect. "Bear a load" means to support or carry something, while "bare" means to expose or uncover something. The correct phrase is "bear a load".

What does it mean when someone says they have to "bear a heavy load"?

It means they have to manage or endure a significant responsibility, task, or burden. This can refer to work, personal life, or any situation where someone must "take on responsibility" for something challenging.