a bundle of clothes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bundle of clothes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a collection or grouping of clothing items, often implying that they are tied or packed together. Example: "After the party, I found a bundle of clothes left behind in the corner of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He had no documents – just a bundle of clothes, in a cheap bag, purchased in Pakistan.

The Guardian

He gave me a bundle of clothes -- a robe, slippers, a dress, some underwear.

The New York Times - Magazine

The woman had a coat draped over her, and a bundle of clothes for a pillow.

The New Yorker

I see a bundle of clothes and try to dodge it, almost ramming into another car, but my wheels still roll over part of it.

The New Yorker

The theological student, who was wearing slippers, had carried with him a bundle of clothes, in which he had packed two pairs of leather shoes.

The New Yorker

He stopped in a small service room, pulled a bundle of clothes from the washer and put them in the dryer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

She was bringing me a bundle of clean clothes.

The New Yorker

A bundle of old clothes, which a dog or cat could step across without harm, would have exploded if someone had picked it up to reclaim or throw away.

The Guardian

Someone opened a bundle of donated clothes at the remnants of the Rohingya refugee camp in Kalindi Kunj, on the outskirts of Delhi.

Vice

Someone opened a bundle of donated clothes at the remnants of the Rohingya refugee camp in Kalindi Kunj, on the outskirts of Delhi, India.

Vice

PICKING through the knotted bundle of clothes in a police station in Omdurman, close to Sudan's capital, Khartoum, the security man emerges with a ragged cap in his hand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add visual detail, specify the type or condition of the clothes in the bundle, such as "a bundle of worn clothes" or "a bundle of neatly folded clothes".

Common error

Avoid using "a bundle of clothes" when referring to clothes neatly arranged in a closet or dresser. This phrase suggests a haphazard or loosely gathered collection, not an organized display.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bundle of clothes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a quantity of clothing items grouped together. Ludwig provides examples showing it as belongings or donations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bundle of clothes" is a noun phrase used to describe a collection of clothing items, often implying a lack of order or the basic nature of the clothing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in varied writing contexts, predominantly in narrative or descriptive scenarios within news and media. While not particularly formal, its neutral register makes it widely accessible. Remember, using "a bundle of clothes" effectively evokes imagery of displacement, poverty, or simply a collection of necessities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pile of clothes

Refers to clothes stacked loosely, without necessarily being tied or packed.

a stack of clothes

Suggests clothes neatly arranged one on top of another.

package of clothing

Emphasizes that the clothes are wrapped or bundled together.

a collection of garments

More formal term for a group of clothing items.

a set of attire

Indicates a coordinated group of clothing for a specific purpose or occasion.

clothing assortment

Highlights the variety of clothes.

load of laundry

Specifies clothes cleaned together.

wardrobe selection

Signifies that the items are part of one's personal wardrobe.

clothing stash

Suggests a hidden or secret collection of clothes.

emergency kit with clothes

Highlights clothes assembled for unpredictable or urgent situations.

FAQs

How can I use "a bundle of clothes" in a sentence?

You might say, "The refugee arrived with only "a bundle of clothes" and a photograph" to indicate their limited possessions.

What's a good alternative to "a bundle of clothes"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a pile of clothes", "a stack of clothes", or "clothing assortment".

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

While grammatically correct, "a bundle of clothes" is more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider a more precise term like "collection of garments".

What does "a bundle of clothes" imply about the clothes themselves?

The phrase suggests the clothes are likely basic necessities and not carefully selected items. It also implies the clothes may be carried or stored together in an ad-hoc manner.