a clutter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clutter of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disorganized or messy collection of items or things in a particular space. Example: "After the party, there was a clutter of empty bottles, plates, and napkins scattered across the living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a clutter of steps.

The New York Times - Arts

Chai latte fits into that category, a clutter of spices".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Parents "get used to" a clutter of kitschy plastic toys.

The New York Times

Inside, the windowless dining room was a clutter of evocative paintings.

The New York Times - Travel

Over the centuries a clutter of buildings encroached on the site.

The New York Times - Arts

Her studio in Helsinki is a clutter of sculpture and installations.

The New York Times

Or will we just find a clutter of reproduction antique sounds and heritage styles?

The Guardian - Music

A clutter of iPods and computers sits beside photos of Cabots cavorting through the centuries.

The New York Times

Outside the room, amid a clutter of wires and measurement equipment, sits its predecessor.

The New York Times - Tech

Croix had lived in the building's dark basement amid a clutter of religious books and photographs.

The New York Times

"Guide?" One wily youth -- reed slender under a clutter of carbon curl -- winks fetchingly.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clutter of" when you want to describe a collection of items that are disorganized but not necessarily dirty or messy. It's suitable for describing physical objects as well as abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "clutter", which refers to a disorganized collection, with "cluster", which describes a group of things that are close together but not necessarily disorganized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clutter of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a quantity or collection. It specifically describes a disorganized or messy gathering of items. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clutter of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a disorganized collection of items. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it is frequently found in News & Media sources. While grammatically sound, it's important to distinguish it from similar words like "cluster". For alternatives, consider phrases like "a jumble of" or "a mess of", depending on the specific context. This makes "a clutter of" a valuable tool for writers aiming to vividly depict disarray and abundance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a jumble of

Suggests a more chaotic and disordered arrangement than "a clutter of".

a heap of

Implies a piled-up collection, often less organized than "a clutter of".

a pile of

Similar to "a heap of", but may suggest a more deliberate arrangement.

a mess of

Indicates a dirty or untidy collection, with negative connotations not always present in "a clutter of".

a muddle of

Implies confusion and disarray, emphasizing the lack of order.

an accumulation of

A more formal way to describe a gradual gathering of items.

a hodgepodge of

Indicates a confusing mixture of dissimilar items.

a collection of

A general term for a group of items, without implying disorganization.

a scattering of

Suggests items spread loosely over an area, rather than grouped together.

an assortment of

Implies a variety of items, rather than disorganization.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clutter of" to describe a disorganized collection of items. For example, "The desk was covered in "a clutter of" papers and pens."

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

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

Is it correct to say "amidst a clutter of"?

Yes, "amidst "a clutter of"" is grammatically correct. For example, "He searched for his keys amidst "a clutter of" old books and magazines."

What is the difference between "a clutter of" and "a collection of"?

"A clutter of" implies disorganization, while "a collection of" simply refers to a group of items without implying a lack of order.