load of people

USAGE SUMMARY

"load of people" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean a large number of people, usually when the exact amount is not being referred to. For example: "There was a load of people at the concert, so I had to wait in line for a while to get a ticket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is just a load of people holding hands.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's nice to know there are a load of people backing you.

The Guardian - Sport

Include an animal and you get a whole load of people paying attention".

The Guardian - Music

Friendly-looking dad named Chesley Sullenberger who saves a plane load of people?

Independent

"And I could just see a load of people inside, so I jumped the barrier and ran in".

The Guardian

It involves a load of people standing very still – almost as if they were mannequins – while another person films them.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A passing bus-load of people laughed like drains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bagara was the first in a line of one-night stops, which meant that we stayed with the same bus-load of people for the next few days.

The Guardian - Travel

When you arrive at the smart, new V C Bird airport, broadly smiling women try to decant a plane-load of people into a few taxis.

The Guardian - Travel

Even if you aren't traveling with a van-load of people, they recommend trying to bargain on the spot.

Forbes

I remember an asscockfucktwat-load of people telling me that my life was over when I first got arrested.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for informal communication, "load of people" is perfectly acceptable and adds a colloquial tone. However, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "many individuals" or "a large number of people" to maintain professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "load of people" in academic papers, business reports, or official correspondence. Opt for more formal alternatives to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "load of people" functions as a noun phrase functioning as the subject or object in a sentence. It is used to denote a large quantity of individuals without specifying an exact number. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "load of people" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a large number of individuals, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most appropriate in informal contexts, such as conversations or casual writing. While it's a useful expression, it's essential to be aware of its informality and to choose more suitable alternatives like "many individuals" or "a large number of people" when writing in a formal or professional setting. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in News & Media, reinforcing its everyday usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crowd of people

Emphasizes the density and possibly the behavior of the group.

plenty of people

Less formal, emphasizing sufficiency or abundance.

host of people

Suggests a large and impressive number.

group of individuals

Slightly more formal, highlights the collective aspect.

mass of people

Conveys a sense of undifferentiated quantity.

throng of individuals

Implies a densely packed and moving crowd.

multitude of people

Highlights the vastness and variety of the group.

many individuals

More formal and emphasizes each person within the group.

a sea of faces

Suggests a large and indistinguishable gathering, focusing on visual impression.

large number of persons

Highly formal and somewhat archaic.

FAQs

How can I use "load of people" in a sentence?

You can use "load of people" to describe a large group, as in, "There was a "load of people" at the concert tonight."

What's a more formal alternative to "load of people"?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "many individuals", "a large number of people", or "a multitude of people".

Is "load of people" appropriate for academic writing?

No, "load of people" is generally too informal for academic writing. Use more precise and formal alternatives.

What is the difference between "load of people" and "crowd of people"?

"Load of people" is a general, informal way to describe a large group. "Crowd of people" is slightly more specific, suggesting a gathering, often in a public place. The alternative "crowd of people" emphasizes density and behavior.