a barrel of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barrel of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the expression "a barrel of laughs," meaning something that is very funny or enjoyable. Example: "The comedy show was a barrel of laughs; I couldn't stop laughing the entire time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A barrel of oysters cost five shillings.

The New Yorker

"Now everything is a barrel of monkeys.

The New York Times - Arts

He's not a barrel of laughs.

The Guardian - Business

A barrel of crude has 42 gallons.

The New York Times

"They found him encased in a barrel of concrete!

The New Yorker

A monkey-fur dress is a barrel of giggles".

The New Yorker

A barrel of West Texas Intermediate dropped below $38.

Independent

I sit down on a barrel of alum.

The New Yorker

HOW much is a barrel of oil worth?

The Economist

Today, a barrel of oil sells for more than $100.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was like shooting barrels of fish in a barrel-of-fish warehouse.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a barrel of" to describe a quantity, ensure the noun that follows logically fits within the concept of a barrel, whether literally (e.g., oil) or figuratively (e.g., laughs).

Common error

Avoid using "a barrel of laughs" sarcastically when intending to convey the opposite. If something is not funny or enjoyable, choose expressions like "not a pleasant experience" or "not enjoyable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barrel of" primarily functions as a quantifier or part of an idiomatic expression. It specifies an amount (e.g., "a barrel of oil") or contributes to an idiomatic meaning as in Ludwig's example of "a barrel of laughs", where it amplifies the sense of amusement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a barrel of" is a versatile phrase primarily functioning as a quantifier or within the idiom "a barrel of laughs". As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While grammatically straightforward, its idiomatic usage requires careful consideration to avoid misinterpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English, noting its prevalence and typical application. Remember to use it accurately to either denote quantity or express amusement appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plethora of

Indicates a large quantity or abundance of something, similar to the idea of a full barrel.

an abundance of

Emphasizes a plentiful supply, akin to a barrel overflowing with its contents.

a wealth of

Suggests a rich or ample amount, comparable to the value contained within a barrel.

a load of

Implies a significant quantity or burden, relating to the weight or capacity of a barrel.

a store of

Highlights a collection or reserve, similar to the stored contents of a barrel.

a quantity of

Refers to a specific or measurable amount, like the volume of liquid in a barrel.

a supply of

Denotes an available source or stock, relating to the provision from a barrel.

a mass of

Indicates a large and undefined amount, similar to an unorganized barrel content.

a hoard of

Suggests a hidden or carefully guarded collection, connecting to the secure storage in a barrel.

a collection of

Implies a set of items gathered together, comparable to diverse items stored in a barrel.

FAQs

How is "a barrel of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a barrel of" is commonly used to refer to a specific quantity, such as "a barrel of oil", or idiomatically as in "a barrel of laughs", meaning something very funny.

What does "a barrel of laughs" mean?

"A barrel of laughs" is an idiom that describes something that is very funny or enjoyable. For example, "The party was "a barrel of laughs"".

Can "a barrel of" be used with uncountable nouns?

Yes, "a barrel of" can be used with uncountable nouns like "oil", "fun", or "laughs" to indicate a quantity or degree of something.

What are some alternatives to the idiom "a barrel of laughs"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot of fun", "very entertaining", or "hilarious" depending on the context.