ease the load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ease the load' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that typically means to reduce the amount of something that one is required to do or carry, either literally or figuratively. For example: "With the help of my colleagues, I was able to ease the load of preparing the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Staged dramas can ease the load of the real ones.

The New York Times

Is there a way to ease the load?

The Washington Post

The electric company workers who shut down neighborhood substations to ease the load have been attacked by residents.

The New York Times

When Baker's cows stand to eat, they stand on rubber, to ease the load on their feet.

The Guardian

The New York grid operator did take steps in the afternoon to ease the load on the system.

The New York Times

So they have no means short of a T.L.R. freeze to ease the load when the system is straining.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

With legal help, poor people can avoid litigation, easing the load on judges and courtrooms.

The New York Times

His presence has eased the load of quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who has a rating of 96.9.

The New York Times - Sports

This process reduces both Rate of Data Loss and eases the load on Master Fusion Filter MFFF).

Procedia Technology

They believe Hoiberg will do a better job distributing minutes and easing the load, which in turn will result in a fresher team in the playoffs.

The Guardian - Sport

Rubens believed himself to be "the busiest and most harassed man in the world" and joint working was a way of easing the load.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems or processes, use "ease the load" to suggest simplifying or streamlining elements to improve efficiency. For example, "Implementing a new software can ease the load on the IT department".

Common error

Avoid using "ease the load" when a stronger, more definitive action is required. "Ease the load" implies a partial reduction, not a complete removal of a problem. If complete removal is intended, consider a phrase like "eliminate the problem" or "resolve the issue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ease the load" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action taken to reduce pressure or burden, either physical or metaphorical, on someone or something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ease the load" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples. It serves to express the action of reducing pressure or difficulty, and functions primarily as a verb phrase. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the intended meaning aligns with the nuance of partial reduction, as opposed to complete elimination. Common synonyms include ""lighten the burden"" and ""alleviate the pressure"". Its widespread use across news, media, and formal business contexts underscores its broad applicability and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease the burden

Direct synonym emphasizing the removal of a weight or obligation.

lighten the burden

Focuses on reducing the 'burden', suggesting a heavy weight being made lighter.

alleviate the pressure

Highlights the reduction of 'pressure', implying stress or strain being lessened.

reduce the strain

Emphasizes diminishing 'strain', suggesting a force or tension that is being decreased.

relieve the stress

Highlights the reduction of 'stress', implying tension being reduced.

mitigate the difficulty

Focuses on lessening 'difficulty', indicating a reduction in the level of challenge.

soften the impact

Highlights the reduction of the 'impact', suggesting a lessening of force or effect.

lessen the intensity

Emphasizes diminishing the 'intensity', indicating a decrease in strength or severity.

diminish the weight

Focuses on reducing the 'weight', implying a physical or figurative load being made lighter.

take the edge off

Suggests a blunting or softening of a harsh or intense aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "ease the load" in a sentence?

You can use "ease the load" to describe reducing the burden or pressure on someone or something. For example, "The new policy is designed to "ease the load" on small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "ease the load"?

Some alternatives to "ease the load" include "lighten the burden", "alleviate the pressure", or "reduce the strain", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "easing the load" instead of "ease the load"?

Yes, "easing the load" is the gerund form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. It often functions as a noun. For instance, "Easing the load on teachers is a priority."

What's the difference between "ease the load" and "lighten the burden"?

While both phrases suggest reducing pressure, "ease the load" is more general and can apply to various contexts, while ""lighten the burden"" specifically refers to reducing something that feels heavy or oppressive.