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Phrasal verbs "load down" vs "load up"

Differences between load down and load up

Load down and load up are phrasal verbs that have opposite meanings. Load down means to put too much weight or burden on someone or something, while load up means to add or increase the amount of weight or quantity of something.

Meanings and Definitions: load down vs load up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Load down

  • 1Burden.

    I was LOADED DOWN with all the stuff I had to take there.

Load up

  • 1Take illegal drugs.

    He's been LOADING UP for years.

  • 2Fill a machine or vehicle.

    We LOADED the car UP and left for our holiday.

Usage Examples: load down, load up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

load down

Example

She loads down her backpack with books for school.

Example

He loads down the car with luggage for the trip.

load up

Example

Before the trip, we need to load up the car with our luggage.

Example

She loads up the washing machine with dirty clothes.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Load down

weigh down

To make someone or something feel heavy or burdened.

Example

The stress of the job was starting to weigh him down and affect his health.

overwhelm with

To give someone too much of something to handle or deal with.

Example

She was overwhelmed with work and couldn't take a break even on weekends.

put pressure on

To make someone feel stressed or anxious by expecting them to do something or perform well.

Example

His parents were putting pressure on him to get good grades and go to a prestigious university.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Load up

stock up on

To buy or acquire a large quantity of something to use or consume later.

Example

Before the storm, people were stocking up on food, water, and batteries to prepare for power outages.

fill to the brim

To completely fill a container or space so that there's no room left.

Example

She filled the bathtub to the brim with hot water and added some lavender oil for a relaxing bath.

pack in

To fit or squeeze as many things or people as possible into a limited space.

Example

They packed in all their camping gear and food into the car and headed to the mountains for a weekend trip.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “load”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in load down vs load up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: load down or load up?

Both load down and load up are used in everyday conversation, but load up is more common. It's often used when talking about adding more items or people to a vehicle or container. Load down is less common and usually used in situations where someone is overwhelmed or overburdened.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of load down and load up

Both load down and load up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of load down and load up

The tone of load down and load up can differ based on context. Load down often carries a negative or complaining tone when related to being overburdened or overwhelmed, while load up typically has a positive or excited tone, especially when referring to adding more items or people to a vehicle or container.

load down & load up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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