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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with “load”

The noun “load” combines with several prepositions depending on meaning, including quantity, pressure, content, and purpose.

Quick answer

Quick answer

Use “load of” for quantity, “loaded with” for contents, “under load” for pressure or stress, and “load on” for weight affecting something.

a load of boxes
The truck was loaded with sand
The bridge failed under load

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
load of + noun

Showing quantity

Use “load of” for a large amount or a physical cargo.

a truck load of timber
2
loaded with + noun

Describing contents

Use “with” after the adjective “loaded.”

The shelves were loaded with files
3
under load

Describing stress or pressure

Technical and engineering English often uses this phrase.

The structure bent under load
4
load on + object

Showing burden on something

Use “on” for pressure affecting a surface or system.

the heavy load on the roof

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
with load
“With a load” is possible as an accompaniment phrase.
Not a fixed combination with the noun itself.
of load
This order is unnatural in standard English.
Use “load of” instead.
under load
The engine vibrates under load.
Operating under stress or demand.
for load
This hook is rated for heavy load.
Shows suitability or intended capacity.
in load
The phrase is uncommon except in technical contexts.
Usually another structure is more natural.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Reversing the order

The fixed phrase is “load of,” not “of load.”

✕ a pile of load ✓ a load of materials

Using “in load” for pressure

Use “under load” in technical contexts.

✕ The beam cracked in load. ✓ The beam cracked under load.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The cart carried a heavy ___ bricks.
2. The machine overheats ___.
3. The shelves were loaded ___ books.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “under load” mean?

It means operating while carrying stress, weight, or demand.

Is “load of” informal?

It can be neutral or informal depending on context.

Can I say “with load”?

Usually English uses “with a load” or “loaded with.”

with, dignity, of, dignity "with disability" or "of disability"? "with distinction" or "of distinction"? "with emphasis" or "of emphasis"? "with friend" or "of friend"? with, of, to, between or for husband? "without exception", "of exception" or "with exception"? "without notice" or "of notice"? "without warning" or "of warning"? without, with, of, in or as regard? "with partner" or "of partner"? "with smile" or "of smile"?

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