crushing workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing workload" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an overwhelming amount of work or tasks that are difficult to manage. Example: "After the recent project launch, I found myself buried under a crushing workload that left me feeling exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He liked the atmosphere, he told friends, and three months later, as the crushing workload created by the anthrax letters began to ease, he applied for more training.

The New York Times

Sometimes an employee wants to quit because of an untenable working situation: an overbearing boss, a difficult co-worker, a crushing workload.

The New York Times

Mr. Suazo, 65, did indisputably live with O'Keeffe in Abiquiu, N.M., from the time he was 9 until he was 18; she taught him painting techniques and relied on him to help alleviate her crushing workload.

The New York Times - Arts

On March 30th three appellate judges heard arguments as to whether the September ruling was valid.Public defenders in Florida's 20 judicial circuits have a crushing workload: in some cases, more than double the 200 cases a year that their association recommends.

The Economist

The crushing workload.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Its departmental bosses have crushing workloads.

The Economist

Facing job market fears, low adjunct pay, crushing workloads, debt and uncertain futures, some PhD students are exhausted, poor and miserable.

The Guardian

But when administrators at the school lashed out at one of the tutoring companies for using a class list to solicit clients, the company fired back, saying it would not be needed if the students did not have such crushing workloads.

The New York Times

Women frequently point to inflexible work arrangements and crushing workloads as reasons they left their careers when they became parents.

Huffington Post

While the Constitution grants indigent defendants the right to an attorney, public defenders carry crushing workloads and often simply do not have the time or resources to provide zealous representation to their clients.

Huffington Post

The workload was crushing, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "crushing workload", be specific about the types of tasks involved and their impact on individuals or teams. Providing concrete examples strengthens the message.

Common error

While "crushing workload" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "heavy workload" or "demanding workload" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing workload" functions as a noun phrase where "crushing" modifies the noun "workload". It describes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the workload. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crushing workload" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an overwhelming amount of work. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider alternatives like "heavy workload" or "excessive workload" to avoid repetition. When using the phrase, provide specific details about the workload and its impact to strengthen the message. The most authoritative sources that employ this term include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, indicating its acceptance in professional and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming workload

Replaces "crushing" with "overwhelming", maintaining the sense of being excessively burdened with work.

heavy workload

Substitutes "crushing" with "heavy", indicating a significant amount of work.

unmanageable workload

Focuses on the inability to handle the amount of work, replacing "crushing" with "unmanageable".

excessive workload

Emphasizes that the workload is beyond a reasonable or acceptable level.

grueling workload

Highlights the exhausting and demanding nature of the workload.

punishing workload

Conveys the severity and difficulty associated with the workload.

oppressive workload

Suggests that the workload is so heavy it feels burdensome and restrictive.

debilitating workload

Highlights the weakening effect of the workload on one's physical or mental health.

crippling workload

Indicates that the workload severely hinders one's ability to function effectively.

intense workload

Replaces "crushing" with "intense", emphasizing the high degree of effort and focus required.

FAQs

What does "crushing workload" mean?

A "crushing workload" refers to an extremely large amount of work that feels overwhelming and difficult to manage.

How can I effectively describe a "crushing workload"?

Focus on the specific tasks involved and their impact. Use vivid language to convey the sense of being overwhelmed. For instance, you could say, "The project led to a "heavy workload", with deadlines looming and resources stretched thin."

What are some alternatives to "crushing workload"?

Alternatives include "overwhelming workload", "heavy workload", "unmanageable workload", or "excessive workload", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "crushing workload" in formal writing?

Yes, "crushing workload" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "substantial workload" or "significant workload" for a more subdued tone.