support a load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "support a load" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to engineering, construction, or any situation where a structure or object is required to bear weight or pressure. Example: "The bridge was designed to support a load of up to 10 tons without compromising its structural integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Bearings are used to support a load while allowing relative motion between two elements of a machine.

Mechanical Design

Designed by Jérôme Lart, the mobile Penelope curtain rod is made of flexible carbon tubes that can be extended from around 6 feet to more than 11 feet, and will support a load of 2.2 pounds.

The New York Times

Although being a simple method of design, the elastic method produces rather inefficient steel frame structures in terms of the weight of steel used to support a load.

Welded Design Theory and Practice

Subjects were asked to support a load (20% body weight) on their backpack while performing 5-min walking trials on the treadmill (speed = 1.6 m/s) with different frequencies of vibration (0 Hz, 28 Hz, 35 Hz, 42 Hz).

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

This chapter discusses that the purpose of a bearing is to support a load, typically applied to a shaft, while allowing relative motion between two elements of a machine.

Mechanical Design

It can support a load of up to 150kg.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Here, Binns supports a load of coffins on his back, along with the figures of Henry Clay and incumbent President Adams.

Princeton University

For walking and at heel strike, the calcaneus supports a load of approximately one time body weight [ 18, 19], while during the second half of the stance phase the force in the AT is three to four times the body weight [ 20, 21, 35– 35].

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

A dynamic activity means moving a part of the body while supporting a load with the same part.[10] A push-up is a great example.

WikiHow

The toboggan is light in weight and will support a heavy load on soft snow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Piers serve the same purpose as piles but are not installed by hammers and, if based on a stable substrate, will support a greater load than a pile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the capacity of a structure, use precise units (e.g., kilograms, tons) to quantify the amount of weight it can "support a load".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the amount of weight something can "support a load" without proper evidence or testing. Always rely on verified specifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "support a load" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of bearing or sustaining weight, force, or pressure, indicating the capacity or ability to prevent something from collapsing or failing under stress. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "support a load" is a verb phrase indicating the action of bearing weight or force. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is grammatically correct and clear, it's important to use it with precision, specifying units and avoiding exaggerations. The phrase is most commonly used in scientific, technical, and engineering contexts. Alternatives include "bear a weight" and "carry a burden", offering subtle differences in meaning. Understanding these nuances helps to effectively communicate load-bearing capacity in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear a weight

Replaces 'load' with 'weight', implying a more general application of force.

take the weight

Focuses on the action of receiving the force.

carry a burden

Substitutes 'load' with 'burden', suggesting a heavier or more difficult weight to manage.

withstand pressure

Focuses on the ability to endure force, rather than simply holding it.

sustain an impact

Highlights the act of enduring a sudden force or collision.

hold something up

More informal way to express supporting something.

handle the stress

Emphasizes the internal strain caused by the weight.

prop up something

Suggests using something as a support.

shoulder responsibility

Metaphorically uses the idea of bearing weight to represent taking on duties.

undergo strain

Focuses on the experience of the object being acted upon by the weight.

FAQs

How is "support a load" used in engineering?

In engineering, "support a load" describes a structure's ability to bear weight or force. For example, a bridge must be designed to "support a load" of vehicles and pedestrians.

What is a more formal way to say "support a load"?

A more formal alternative to "support a load" is to "bear a weight", which is frequently used in technical and scientific contexts.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "support a load"?

The phrase "support a load" is appropriate in contexts where the capacity to bear weight or pressure is being discussed, such as in engineering, construction, or physics. It can also be used metaphorically to describe bearing responsibility or stress.

What's the difference between "support a load" and "carry a load"?

"Support a load" emphasizes the act of bearing weight, while "carry a burden" suggests transporting the weight. Although similar, "support" focuses on stability, whereas "carry" focuses on movement.