Cool MateShare the load vs Support
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Share the load
Top 2,000 (common)
Support
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Support
| Share the load | Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ʃɛə ðə ləʊd//🇺🇸 //ʃɛr ðə loʊd// | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈpɔːt/","/səˈpɔːts/","/səˈpɔːtɪd/","/səˈpɔːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈpɔːrt/","/səˈpɔːrts/","/səˈpɔːrtɪd/","/səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Help someone with their work or responsibilities. | To give help or assistance. |
| Example | In our project, it's important to share the load so everyone contributes equally. | I want to support my friends in their endeavors. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | share the burden, share responsibilities, share tasks, share resources, share the journey | overwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/something, overwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/something, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, strongly, weakly, adequately, appear to, seem to, tend to, be supported by data, be supported by evidence, be well supported |
| Antonyms | - | oppose, hinder, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Using in inappropriate contexts, like formal settings., Confusing with 'shoulder the burden'., Not using in plural form when referring to multiple people. | Confused with 'supplement', which means to add to something., Using 'support' as a noun without clarification (e.g. 'She gave support' is vague)., Mixing up 'support' and 'oppose'. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in teamwork contexts. Suitable for both spoken and written English. Avoid in formal documents. | This word can be used in many contexts like emotional support, financial help, or supporting a cause. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Share the load vs Support
What's the difference between Share the load and Support?
Share the load: Help someone with their work or responsibilities. Support: To give help or assistance.
Which is more common: Share the load and Support?
Support is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Share the load: In our project, it's important to share the load so everyone contributes equally. Support: I want to support my friends in their endeavors.
Can I use Share the load and Support interchangeably?
Not always. Share the load and Support are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.