a clump of clothes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clump of clothes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disorganized or messy pile of clothing, often implying that the clothes are not neatly arranged. Example: "After the party, there was a clump of clothes left on the floor that needed to be picked up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Police had collected a clump of clothes from the park that night, including a sweatshirt a witness recognized as one worn by a man jogging nearby right after the gunshots rang out.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's really a clump of colorful makeshift tents with sandy floors, populated by wizened faces.

Vice

Or a clump of mud.

The Guardian - Film

We stopped near a clump of trees.

The New York Times - Travel

"A book is a clump of knowledge that goes together".

The New Yorker

"It is a clump of cells, but it is a very important clump of cells," Dr. Garrisi said.

The New York Times

The ship then came upon a clump of tangled vegetation.

The New Yorker

(Afterwards he said, preposterously, it was "a clump of dirt").

The New York Times

Toast points and a clump of salad were the garnishes.

The New York Times

A bird comes to prod a clump of wet fur.

The New York Times

Consequently, the seedling resembles a clump of grass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "a clump of clothes" to vividly depict disorganization or neglect. For instance, "A clump of clothes lay forgotten in the corner of the room."

Common error

Avoid using "a clump of clothes" when you intend to convey a neat or organized arrangement. The phrase inherently suggests disarray or messiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clump of clothes" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it describes a collection of garments, often implying disorganization.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clump of clothes" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a messy or disorganized pile of garments. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and primarily found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of disarray. To enhance your writing, consider the connotation of disorganization inherent in the phrase and avoid using it when intending to depict neatness. Alternatives such as "a pile of clothing" or "a jumble of garments" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pile of clothing

Replaces "clump" with "pile", suggesting a less specific, but similar arrangement.

a heap of clothes

Substitutes "clump" with "heap", implying a disorganised and large collection.

a jumble of garments

Replaces "clump" with "jumble" and "clothes" with "garments", creating a more formal tone.

a mess of attire

Uses "mess" instead of "clump" and "attire" instead of "clothes", adding a negative connotation and formality.

a bundle of clothing

Replaces "clump" with "bundle", suggesting items are tied or wrapped together.

a stack of apparel

Replaces "clump" with "stack" and "clothes" with "apparel", indicating a more organised arrangement albeit still a collection.

a disarray of outfits

Emphasizes the disorganization with "disarray" replacing "clump" and uses "outfits" instead of "clothes".

a muddle of wearables

Substitutes "clump" with "muddle" and "clothes" with "wearables", adding a sense of confusion and variety.

a disordered collection of clothes

Replaces "clump" with the more descriptive "disordered collection", emphasizing the lack of order.

an untidy assortment of garments

Uses "untidy assortment" instead of "clump" and "garments" for "clothes", suggesting a lack of neatness and a variety of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clump of clothes" to describe a messy pile of garments, like "After the party, there was "a clump of clothes" on the floor".

What's a more formal way to say "a clump of clothes"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a jumble of garments" or "a disarray of outfits".

Is it correct to say "a clothes clump" instead of "a clump of clothes"?

While understandable, "a clothes clump" is not as idiomatic or commonly used as ""a clump of clothes"". The latter is the standard and preferred phrasing.

What is the difference between "a pile of clothes" and "a clump of clothes"?

Both phrases describe a collection of garments, but ""a clump of clothes"" often suggests a more haphazard or compressed gathering than "a pile of clothing".