heavy load

USAGE SUMMARY

'heavy load' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a great burden or responsibility that someone is carrying. For example: "The new manager has to bear a heavy load as she takes on the responsibility for the entire department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MOMS carry a heavy load.

The New York Times

But he's carrying a heavy load.

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

The Guardian - Books

Like most bands Heavy Load has its tensions.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a heavy load to carry, being nobody's daughter.

The New York Times - Books

Until then, Mr. Gorman's businesses must carry a heavy load.

The New York Times

Her Icann work comes atop this heavy load.

The New York Times

It was a heavy load on all those guys.

Independent

We are not designed to carry this heavy load".

The New York Times

Moreover, some floors in older buildings cannot carry the heavy load of the new equipment".

The New York Times

Others conceded they were traveling with a heavy load of denial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy load" to describe a situation, be specific about what constitutes the load. Providing context helps the reader understand the magnitude of the burden or responsibility. For instance, instead of saying 'The project was a heavy load', specify 'Managing the budget, coordinating the team, and meeting the deadline was a heavy load'.

Common error

While "heavy load" is a versatile phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "a lot of work" or "stressful situation" would suffice. Overuse can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy load" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb like "carry" or "bear". It describes something that imposes a significant burden or responsibility. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy load" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a significant burden or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. While suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. When using "heavy load", providing specific context will enhance clarity. Consider synonyms like "onerous burden" or "significant responsibility" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable weight

Uses "weight" as a synonym for "load", focusing on the heaviness.

serious burden

Emphasizes the gravity and importance of the burden.

onerous burden

Replaces "load" with "burden", emphasizing the oppressiveness of the weight.

great responsibility

Similar to "significant responsibility" but slightly more emphatic.

significant responsibility

Shifts the focus to the aspect of duty or obligation.

substantial pressure

Highlights the stress and strain caused by the burden.

major obligation

Emphasizes a formal duty that must be fulfilled.

formidable task

Focuses on the difficulty and challenge presented by the task.

challenging undertaking

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the endeavor.

demanding workload

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

FAQs

What does it mean to carry a "heavy load"?

To carry a "heavy load" means to bear a significant burden, responsibility, or source of stress. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract challenges.

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

You can use "heavy load" to describe anything that feels burdensome, such as: "The responsibilities of a caregiver can be a "heavy load"", or "The company is struggling under a "heavy load" of debt".

What are some synonyms for "heavy load"?

Alternatives to "heavy load" include "onerous burden", "significant responsibility", and "considerable weight", each varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "heavy load" in formal writing?

Yes, "heavy load" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to determine if a more precise term might be more effective. For instance, in a business context, "significant liability" or "substantial risk" might be more appropriate.