a bucket of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bucket of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a quantity or amount of something, often in a figurative or humorous context. Example: "After the rain, we had a bucket of water collected in the backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A bucket of spuds.

The New York Times - Books

We'll throw in a bucket of chlorine.

The New Yorker

He's mad as a bucket of frogs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A bucket of sudsy water sits nearby.

The New York Times

I could eat a bucket of it.

The Guardian - Travel

One requires a bucket of liquid nitrogen.

The New York Times - Travel

She carried a bucket of cookies.

The New York Times

Two carry a bucket of water.

The New York Times - Arts

This was a bucket of cyanide.

The Guardian - Sport

It was more a bucket of flies than a bucket of chicken.

The New York Times - Travel

A bucket of popcorn has a lot to answer for.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bucket of" to add a vivid, somewhat informal image to a quantity. For example, "a bucket of laughs" paints a more colorful picture than "many laughs".

Common error

Avoid using "a bucket of" excessively in formal writing. While it adds color, overuse can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more precise quantifiers like "a significant amount of" or "a large quantity of" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bucket of" primarily functions as a quantifier, specifying an amount or quantity of something. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples ranging from literal uses like "a bucket of water" to figurative ones like "a bucket of laughs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bucket of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a quantity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, its informal tone makes it more suitable for casual contexts. News & Media and Wiki sources prominently feature this phrase. Alternatives like "a lot of" or "a ton of" offer more formal options. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone in your writing. The phrase is prevalent across varied contexts with News and Media being the most frequent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pail of

Uses a different type of container (pail) but similar in purpose.

a lot of

A general term for quantity, lacking the imagery of a bucket.

a load of

Emphasizes a large quantity or burden, differing from a specific container.

a ton of

Indicates a large weight or amount, not necessarily contained.

a heap of

Suggests an unorganized pile rather than a measured amount in a container.

a supply of

Implies a stock or reserve, not necessarily in one container.

a container of

Focuses on the container itself, less about the amount.

a vessel of

A more formal term for a container, broader than just a bucket.

a trove of

Suggests a collection of valuable items, differing in connotation.

a hoard of

Implies a secretly gathered store, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "a bucket of" in a sentence?

You can use "a bucket of" to describe a large quantity of something, like "a bucket of water" or figuratively, like "a bucket of laughs".

What can I say instead of "a bucket of"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot of", "a ton of", or "a heap of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a bucket of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a bucket of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "a significant amount of" or "a large quantity of".

What's the difference between "a bucket of" and "a barrel of"?

"A bucket of" typically refers to a smaller quantity than "a barrel of". A barrel is a larger container, so "a barrel of" implies a greater amount.