under heavy load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under heavy load" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is experiencing a significant amount of stress, pressure, or demand, often in a technical or physical context. Example: "The server is currently under heavy load, which may result in slower response times for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Lastly, it is important to make sure you have a solid, reliable technical platform to keep the tools available and functioning well, even under heavy load.

The Guardian

diameter quartz devices, even under heavy load.

Electrochimica Acta

In Figure 17(b), we depict the delay for each scheme under heavy load.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In an actual power grid, the lines between regions are usually under heavy load.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

If you're having trouble loading the page, just keep trying; the site seems to be under heavy load currently.

TechCrunch

The battery, when not under heavy load, lasts about 48 hours on standby and about 9 hours of use.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Nylon layers help hold tires together under heavy loads and at high speeds in hot weather.

The New York Times

Under heavy loads, stone is superior to wood but not to iron, steel, or reinforced concrete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea here is to eliminate an old-fashioned part that can flex and break under heavy loads.

The New York Times

Just outside the Jiangbei toll booth, farmers toil under heavy loads in vegetable fields and women wash their clothes in a stream.

The Guardian

The rate of wear of these joints is very low but the more one uses them under heavy loading conditions, the more they wear out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or network, use "under heavy load" to concisely convey that it's experiencing high traffic or demand. Be specific about the impact of this load, such as slower response times or increased error rates.

Common error

Avoid using "under heavy load" when describing situations that are merely busy but not strained. The phrase implies a level of stress that could lead to performance issues, not just typical usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under heavy load" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the condition or state of something. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase typically specifies that a system, network, or component is experiencing a significant amount of stress or demand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under heavy load" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe situations experiencing substantial stress or demand. As Ludwig AI indicates, its versatility allows for application across various contexts including science, technology, and general news. While it's suitable for formal and professional settings, its meaning should be carefully considered to ensure it accurately conveys the degree of strain. By understanding its nuances and exploring related phrases, writers can effectively communicate the impact of heavy loads on different systems or processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing high demand

Focuses on the demand aspect, highlighting the high level of requests or tasks being processed.

subjected to intense pressure

Emphasizes the pressure aspect, suitable when stress or strain is the main concern.

operating at full capacity

Highlights that the system or entity is working at its maximum capability.

functioning under stress

Focuses on the stressful conditions affecting the operation.

handling a significant workload

Emphasizes the amount of work being processed.

overwhelmed with tasks

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by excessive tasks.

bearing a substantial burden

Focuses on the burden aspect, implying responsibility and weight.

at peak performance levels

Indicates that the system is operating at its highest possible efficiency, often implying strain.

strained to its limit

Implies that the system is close to its breaking point due to excessive strain.

fully utilized

Highlights that all available resources are being used.

FAQs

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

Use "under heavy load" to describe a situation where a system or component is experiencing significant stress or demand. For example, "The website server is "under heavy load" during peak hours."

What are some alternatives to "under heavy load"?

You can use alternatives such as "experiencing high demand", "subjected to intense pressure", or "operating at full capacity" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "under heavy load" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical or business contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of a system or process experiencing significant stress.

What does it mean when a server is "under heavy load"?

When a server is "under heavy load", it means that it's processing a high volume of requests, which can lead to slower response times or even system failures if the load exceeds the server's capacity.