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heavy workload — a lot of work

collocationB2IELTS 5+neutralcommon

Having a large amount of work to do, often more than usual or more than is comfortable.

Say it like a native

Textbook I am currently managing an excessive quantity of professional tasks.

Native I've got a heavy workload at the moment.

'A heavy workload' is the natural phrase; the paraphrase is corporate.

Pattern: heavy workload (noun phrase); have a heavy workload; cope with a heavy workload

In use

  • She has a heavy workload this semester and spends most evenings studying.work
  • In my previous job, I often had to deal with a heavy workload, especially during busy seasons, which taught me how to manage my time effectively.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ I have a big workload.

✓ I have a heavy workload.

A workload is 'heavy' (or 'light'), not 'big'.

Common collocations

  • a heavy workload — heavy, manage, cope with, due to

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'light workload' (not much work).

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