December 2, 2011 - Word of the Day: load

You can use "load" as a verb or as a noun. As a verb, it's similar to "put in."

• He loaded the washing machine with dirty laundry.
• He loaded the washing machine. (When using "load," it's usually not necessary to say what was put in the machine.)
• The police officer loaded her gun with bullets.
• The police officer loaded her gun.
• Please load the dishwasher with dishes.
• Please load the dishwasher.
• Don't unload your truck here. This is not a loading zone. (unload = take out)

So, as you can see, it's a very useful and easy-to-use verb. When you use "load" as a noun, it refers to an amount:

• She has a load of laundry to do.
• There's a load of furniture in the truck.
• We've got a load of groceries in the car.

You can change "load" to an adjective with an "ed" ending:

• The truck is loaded.
• My car is loaded with groceries.
• He carries around a loaded gun.

To learn more new words, click here.