share the load

USAGE SUMMARY

"share the load" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to help or cooperate in a task. For example: "Let's all share the load and finish the project by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two Processors To Share the Load Q.

The New York Times

Make good use of existing staff and share the load.

The Guardian

States share the load, contributing and specialising in different areas.

The Guardian

But Giants runners share the load in some surprising places.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a relief," Houston said of Nailon's ability to share the load.

The New York Times - Sports

But quarterback Steve McNair and the entire Titans offense entered determined to share the load.

The New York Times - Sports

Now they are creating an army of civil servants in the regions to share the load.

The Guardian

"The benefit is that we can share the load," Mr. Henry said.

The New York Times

In effect, the body interprets a supportive touch as "I'll share the load".

The New York Times - Health

Having to share the load, if not the road, are Seitz's wife, Suzanne, and teenage daughters Marina and Chloe.

The New York Times

The Bucks are loaded with jump shooters, while Philadelphia aches for someone to share the load with Allen Iverson.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delegating tasks in a team, use "share the load" to encourage cooperation and prevent burnout. This reinforces the idea that everyone contributes and supports each other.

Common error

While "share the load" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "distribute responsibilities" or "allocate resources" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "share the load" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of distributing tasks, responsibilities, or burdens among individuals or entities. Ludwig shows various examples of its usage in contexts ranging from sports to technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "share the load" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that encourages the distribution of tasks and responsibilities. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it frequently appears. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more precise alternatives like "distribute responsibilities". The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its wide application, from sports to technology, reinforcing its role in promoting collaboration and reducing individual burden.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute the burden

Focuses on distributing a burden or responsibility, emphasizing the act of spreading it out.

split the responsibility

Highlights dividing up a specific responsibility into smaller parts.

divide the work

Emphasizes dividing tasks among multiple parties, focusing on the labor aspect.

collaborate on the task

Focuses on working together to complete a task, highlighting teamwork.

pool resources

Implies combining resources, such as skills or materials, to achieve a common goal.

lighten the burden

Concentrates on making the burden less heavy, emphasizing relief.

ease the pressure

Focuses on reducing stress or tension, emphasizing relaxation.

shoulder the responsibility together

Highlights a joint effort in bearing responsibility.

help each other out

Implies mutual assistance, suggesting reciprocal support.

lend a hand

A more informal way of offering assistance or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "share the load" to describe distributing responsibilities or tasks among multiple people. For instance, "To complete the project efficiently, we need to "share the load" equally."

What is a more formal alternative to "share the load"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "distribute responsibilities" or "allocate tasks". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "share the load" and "split the burden"?

"Share the load" generally implies distributing tasks or responsibilities to make things easier for everyone involved. "Split the burden" emphasizes dividing a heavy or difficult task among multiple individuals.

When is it appropriate to use "share the load" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "share the load" in various contexts, including informal conversations, team meetings, and general communications where you want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and distributed effort. Avoid it in very formal academic or legal documents.