a bunch of papers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bunch of papers" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as an informal way of referring to a large number of documents. For example, "I had to go through a bunch of papers to find the one I was looking for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Imagine someone who has never used or seen a paperclip and is struggling to keep a bunch of papers together.

The New Yorker

Feeling that ultimate "it" (lust? love?) and then signing a bunch of papers won't guarantee that you'll never get bored.

The New York Times

"I've written a bunch of papers saying human beings are warming the planetary surface temperature," he said.

The New York Times - Science

His assistant, a jolly red-haired woman named Karol, came in and handed him a bunch of papers.

The New Yorker

But what that means is flying back and forth, writing a bunch of papers on "transition economics," pocketing some fat consultancy fees and then heading for home.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You can't just invite people in and give them a bunch of papers and expect them to know what their responsibility is".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Heaven is just a bunch of paper pushers".

The New York Times

We're going to hand out a bunch of paper so everybody will know exactly what we're talking about.

The New York Times

A digital version of the punch card (or stamp card) is more convenient than stuffing your wallet with a bunch of paper cards, says Keith Rabois, Square's chief operating officer.

The New York Times

It's a bunch of paper".

Forbes

Folbre sometimes uses this simple set-up to show undergraduates that cooperative arrangements can work: She sets out a bunch of paper clips and tells two students that she'll pay them 10 cents apiece for each paper clip collected in an initial period, then 25 cents a piece for each one collected in a second period.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bunch of papers" when you want to convey a sense of informality and a large quantity of documents. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "several documents" or "a collection of reports".

Common error

Avoid using "a bunch of papers" in formal reports or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms such as "numerous documents" or "extensive research materials".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bunch of papers" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It refers to an indefinite quantity of documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bunch of papers" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quantity of documents. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. For formal or scientific writing, more precise alternatives like "several documents" or "extensive research materials" are recommended. Keep in mind that this phrase lacks the precision for a formal context and it is more suited in informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heap of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "heap", suggesting a disorganized pile.

a batch of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "batch", implying a group processed together.

a pack of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "pack", suggesting a collection wrapped or bound together.

a stack of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "stack", indicating an organized pile.

a pile of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "pile", implying a less organized heap.

a bundle of papers

Replaces "bunch" with "bundle", suggesting a collection tied together.

a set of papers

Implies a curated collection, a departure from the casual "bunch".

a collection of papers

A slightly more formal substitute for "a bunch of papers".

several documents

More generic than "a bunch of papers", applicable to various document types.

multiple reports

Specifies "papers" as reports, altering the context.

FAQs

How can I use "a bunch of papers" in a sentence?

You can use "a bunch of papers" to describe a large quantity of documents. For example, "I need to sort through "a bunch of papers" on my desk."

What can I say instead of "a bunch of papers"?

Alternatives include "several documents", "many reports", or "numerous articles" depending on the context.

Is "a bunch of papers" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a bunch of papers" is generally considered informal. Use more precise and formal language in professional or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "a bunch of papers" and "a stack of papers"?

"A bunch of papers" implies a quantity without specifying organization. "A stack of papers", however, refers to an organized pile.